Dear Friends of the Nest,
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As we commemorate our 30th anniversary this year, we also reflect on the love that has rooted, flourished, and grown out from our “little nest.” There’s a lot of love to share. When a child experiences the death of a loved one or the diagnosis of a serious medical condition, they may feel as though they are severed from their community, from love. February and Valentine’s Day can be a difficult time for those missing their special person, whether they were a mother, a spouse, a sibling. While those grieving are inundated with hearts and candy, it can feel like another disconnect from community.
Every year, we witness children, teens, young adults, caregivers, and families across Southern Arizona show up for one another—to hear and see one another. There’s a lot of love to share. At Tu Nidito, it’s OK to feel disconnected without fear of being judged or feel the added pressure to resolve it. Those feelings are valid and need to be heard. The J. Geils Band said it first: “love stinks,” and it can! If you or someone you know is dreading Valentine’s Day because of grief, we’ve compiled some helpful reminders:
- It’s OK to let yourself feel all of your feelings and spend time alone. You can even find away to make that time special through a meal or honoring your special person however feels right.
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It’s OK to do something to celebrate with friends or family and acknowledge those in your life. It does not diminish the love you have for your special person.
- Show yourself compassion. It can be easy to feel guilt or shame from the complicated and messy feelings of grief. These feelings are normal and a part of love, too.
- When you are ready, know that you can always find support and connection here at Tu Nidito.
We don’t need to solve everything, but we can keep showing up for one another in our grief. There’s incredible power in that, and we’ve felt it here for 30 years and look forward to seeing it for another 30 years as our community continues to grow.
Speaking of community, we are excited to gather with you and celebrate your 2026 Remarkable Moms! Tickets will be available soon, so save the date for May 9, 2026 at the Hilton El Conquistador. Bring your beach wear and kick back, because Gilligan’s Island: The Band will provide the tunes to transport you to the shore.
With gratitude,
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Liz McCusker,
Executive Director
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While we celebrate five outstanding moms in the community who advocate and live out Tu Nidito’s mission, Gilligan’s Island: The Band will take us on an unforgettable voyage. Keep your eye out for tickets going on sale later this month to our Remarkable Celebration! You don’t want to miss it.
The evening will feature a silent auction with plenty of enticing items up for bid. To help make the auction a huge success, contact Geramee Hensley.
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While we think about love this month in its many forms, Littles and Middles at Tu Nidito will string together hearts with their loved ones names. In the face of grief, a child can feel isolated and alone, and this activity provides them a creative outlet to represent the community and love surrounding them. By embracing creativity, Tu Nidito walks alongside
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children in their grief to help them express themselves. After activities like this, we often hear “I didn’t know my child felt that way,” or; “That’s the first time I heard my child say that.” At Tu Nidito, grieving families strengthen their communication and find understanding with one another. While it costs $91.83 for one family to attend our bereavement support for one month, all of Tu Nidito’s programming is completely free of charge. Your support makes a real difference for a child and their family grieving a death. Show your support by making a gift today.
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SHOP PARK LANE JEWELRY & SUPPORT TU NIDITO
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From now through February 11, you can support Tu Nidito by shopping at Park Lane Jewelry’s fundraiser page. 50% of all proceeds go directly to supporting children, teens, young adults, caregivers and families navigating grief. So, whether you’ve been eyeing something new for yourself or someone you love, it’s the perfect time to buy it and make a difference for families in Southern Arizona.
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