Life’s Struggles Each of us goes through different struggles in life. Some of them seem to be more difficult than others. Billie Jo is going through a lot of things at once. She is devastated by the accident that causes her to lose her mother, her infant brother, and the ability to play the piano.

Stages of Grief There are stages of grief that most people go though when they have a severe crisis. Understanding these stages can help people see that their reactions are normal and help others to know how to help the individual. Stage 1- Shock and Denial Stage 2- Anger Stage 3- Depression Stage 4- Acceptance

Stage 1- Shock and Denial The individual feels numb during and immediately following the crisis. This can be merciful for the individual, and it can also be useful if one can understand what he or she is feeling. Billie Jo listens as the women clean her home after the accident. She cannot believe what has happened, and she hears the blame in the words of the women.

Stage 2- Anger It is normal to feel anger along with grief. A person needs to be able to express his or her feelings. This anger is almost always temporary but may be exaggerated if one feels compelled to keep it inside. Billie Jo feels like she does not know her father anymore. She is angry that he is not opening up to her during this difficult time, and she blames him for what happened. She needs his support and love. She feels very alone.

Stage 3- Depression The individual will likely feel depressed for some length of time after the crisis. Patience, love, understanding, and activity are good antidotes for depression. Frequently, others expect the person to have adjusted to the crisis when in fact he or she has not. The friendship of someone else who has had a similar experience and has adjusted is often very helpful. As Billie Jo goes through her box of collections, she is saddened and depressed by the memories and the fact that she misses her mom.

Stage 4- Acceptance When the individual is finally able to talk about his or her experience realistically, he or she is on the way to adjustment. A person may still fall back into the different stages during the coming years, but those times will be less and less frequent. Later in the book, Billie Jo learns to move past the horrible accident by accepting her new life.

Advice for Billie Jo 1.What types of things do you think would help Billie Jo survive this tragedy in her life? 2.What things have you found helpful as you have gone through problems, disappointments, and trials?

Citation Clark, Sarah K. "Through Our Own Eyes." A Guide for Using Out of the Dust in the Classroom: Based on the Novel by Karen Hesse. Westminster, CA: Teacher Created Materials, Print.