Ben Affleck to Spend Thanksgiving with Ex Jennifer Garner, Their Children Following Loss of Family Dog
In a heartwarming show of support, Ben Affleck will be spending Thanksgiving with his ex-wife, actress Jennifer Garner, and their three children, Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel. This reunion comes after the family suffered a heartbreaking loss – the death of their beloved nine-year-old Golden Retriever, Birdie.
Grief and Comfort During the Holidays
Garner, known for her role in “13 Going on 30,” shared the devastating news of Birdie’s passing on Instagram. She revealed that their furry companion had been “very ill” but managed to hold on long enough to say goodbye to Violet, who had returned home from college for the visit.
Sources say “Jennifer’s grief is profound,” and Affleck, wanting to be there for his children and their mother, “will be more than happy to spend time with her over Thanksgiving.”
The decision to spend the holiday together reportedly came about with encouragement from their mutual friends, who recognized the importance of unity and support during this difficult time for the blended family.
Family Reunion Amidst Film Production
Affleck’s commitment to Thanksgiving with his former family comes as he takes a break from filming his upcoming thriller, “RIP,” alongside long-time collaborator Matt Damon.
Initially, Affleck had planned a quiet Thanksgiving alone following his split from Jennifer Lopez in August. However, sources reveal he ultimately decided to prioritize providing comfort and support for Garner and their children, recognizing the significance of Birdie’s role in their lives.
“It’s going to be a proper family reunion,” a source shared, emphasizing that all three of their children – Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12 – will be present for the holiday together.
How does the decision of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner to spend Thanksgiving together amidst grief impact their children?
## Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner: Reuniting for Thanksgiving amidst Grief
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, a family therapist specializing in grief and loss. Dr. Carter, we have news of a celebrity family coming together during a difficult time. Ben Affleck will be spending Thanksgiving with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and their children following the loss of their beloved dog, Birdie. What are your thoughts on this?
**Dr. Carter:** This is a beautiful example of co-parenting done right, especially during a time of grief. While the focus is often on romantic relationships, losing a pet can be incredibly painful for the whole family, especially children. It’s important for them to see their parents united in their sadness and support each other.
**Interviewer:** Do you think this public display of unity sends a message to their children?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. It shows them that love and support can exist even after a divorce. It normalizes grieving together as a family and reinforces the message that they have a strong support system, even in difficult times. It can also help them feel less alone in their grief.
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to families facing similar situations?
**Dr. Carter:** Open communication is key. Allow each family member to express their feelings without judgment. Encourage sharing memories of the pet and finding healthy ways to commemorate their life. And most importantly, be patient with each other. Grief is a journey, and everyone processes it differently.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Carter. It’s a good reminder that even in times of loss, families can come together and show strength.
