It is with a very heavy heart that we share this news.
Our beloved long time songs for seeds keyboardist and friend, Sueyoung Yoo, passed away this weekend. Sueyoung was a vital part of the apple seeds family since 2008. She was very well loved by our own children, and by the hundreds of babies and children whose lives she changed over the years through her teaching and music at apple seeds. Sueyoung’s infectious smile would light up a room, her constant stream of treats for the kids were always happily received and her energy was always positive.
Our entire staff is deeply grieving this loss. We know that many families and children will be impacted by this tragedy. We have decided to suspend songs for seeds classes at all three apple seeds locations today (5/28) and tomorrow (5/29) out of respect for Sueyoung’s colleagues and fellow musicians. We will be in touch soon with ways to celebrate her beautiful, vibrant life.
Death is a complicated subject to address with children and depending on your child’s age and relationship to Sueyoung, it may mean different things. We ask that you clearly communicate with your caregiver as to how your family will be handling this situation.
Some children who overlapped with Sueyoung in songs for seeds class may be too young to process this sad information. Under 3 years old, it is difficult to cognitively absorb the reality of death. Other children are older and will remember Sueyoung well, particularly her private piano clients. If you are looking for support to help you personally process this terrible news, and more specifically, how to talk to children about death and loss, please see below.
We have a list of clinical psychologists that specialize in children and grief counseling. Please call apple seeds at 212-792-7590 for a list of their names and numbers should you need.
We also have several articles and publications on hand, as well as a Sesame Street guide specific to very young children, should you need. Please reach out if you need more information. Below is a suggested list of books, and you can also find additional and helpful support at http://www.acaringhand.org/
We send our deepest sympathy to everyone in our community through this very difficult time.
Alison, Allison, Bobby, Craig and the apple seeds team
Talking with Children About Loss by Maria Trozzi
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death by Laurie Krasny
Love Never Stops: A Memory Book for Children by Emilio Parga
Jim’s Dog Muffins by Miriam Cohen
Lifetimes: A Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie