Even if you have a loved one who has experienced the loss of a child, you may not know that July is Bereaved Parents Months. In the loss community there will be opportunities for bereaved parents to share and connect with other parents of loss. But what you might notice is that even with all of these extra resources and support, your loved one is needing you more than ever. Because no matter the age of the child, it is agony for their parent to be living life without them.
Like everything that grief touches, months like Bereaved Parents Month can be daunting. Yes, there are incredible resources and events planned to support those who have experienced loss, but inside every one of these events lays the reminder that our children are gone. If we had a choice, we would rather not be celebrating this month. We wish it wasn’t necessary to raise awareness about such a devastating issue.
But, here we are. Yes, months like this are important but the truth is we need the support of our loved ones every day. So let this month be one of many where you reach out to the grieving parents in your life.
Here’s what you can do to support your friend, family member, or co-worker as they navigate Bereaved Parents Month:
- Say their child’s name. No matter how you do it, saying or writing the name of their child will mean so much to them.
- Donate to an organization like MISS Foundation or The Compassionate Friends. These organizations exist to support grieving families after the death of a child. (If the parent you know is passionate about a certain cause or organization, then consider donating there.)
- Share an article about grief or child loss.
- Check in with your friend. Ask if they are doing anything to participate in this month. Let them know you remember their child.
- Invite them to do something. They may not feel up to it, but it will mean the world that you asked.
- Engage with them when they share on social media. Like or comment on the posts they share related to their grief or their child.
- Perform a Random Act of Kindness in their child’s name.
- Do something kind for THEM. A cup of coffee. A little note. A piece of chocolate. Just a little something to let them know they are loved.
Ask them what they need. They may say they’re fine. They may say they don’t need anything. That’s okay. You asked. You let them know that you are thinking of them. That is probably what they needed most.
Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash
My beautiful daughter was 33 and died very suddenly and unexpectedly of a brain aneurism leaving a little boy who turned 2 four days later abd a 3 1/2 month old baby. We lost her 2 years ago and everyday I wake with an achein my stomach . My life has changed and although there is still joy it is always tinged with sadness.. She Should be here to share this! Thank you for this opportunity to share
Sharon, you have my caring thoughts. Words are inadequate I know.
So sorry for your loss my daughter also passed away suddenly from a ruptured brain aneurysm leaving behind four Lil baby girls July 12 th will be 8 yrs and she passed on my other daughters birthday and it’s so hard on me on this day trying to mourn one and celebrate another daughters birthday all on the same day and I haven’t been the same since I can’t cope with life so I know and share your pain and heart break just know I’m thinking g of us all this month and everyday
Sharin, this is so very sad! There is nothing more painful than a sudden loss of anyone and even more, of a child and one who has left such beautiful young children. It just doesn’t seem fair. 💔
Huge hugs and kisses to those poor babies and all of you. 😘🤗💕
I lost my son at 19 and you couldn’t have described it any better…you so touched my heart and validated what I feel every day since as well as his two brothers.
“My life has changed and although there is still joy, it is always tinged with sadness”.
I hear you. I pray for you. 💔😢🙏💕
Thank you so much for sharing Sharin!
My son’s name is Zachary.
Claudia
Bereaved Parents of the USA is another great organization that supports parents, siblings and grandparents after the death of a child. Parents really appreciate when you donate to a group that has helped them cope with their loss.
Yes! https://www.bereavedparentsusa.org/donate/
My boyfriend and I lost our son last September at 17 weeks pregnant. Last week we lost our daughter the same way at 15 weeks. To say we are devastated is a understatement. I cry everyday wishing my babies were here with me. Some days I feel like the pain will never go away.
Our exquisite daughter Hannah was just 19 years young when she passed in a horrific head on collision, five years ago.
The sudden passing meant we never got to say goodbye. Never had the opportunity to “prepare”.
If in fact you ever really do.
Oou other two children, Todd 20 and Amy 17, (in her HSC year), were so very young to face such traumatic loss.
How do you pick up the splintered pieces of your life and create a “ New normal”?
What I do know is we haven’t just lost Hannah. We have lost friends, family, income, career, self confidence, and trust.
From the moment Hannah passed however, we made a pact to honour our beautiful girl.
We now give, love, share, are involved in Drivers awareness and education programs and Charity groups.
We were given so much by our community when Hannah passed, so we give back. We pay it forward. That is what Hannah would want us to do.
Five years on it still hurts however. I doubt that pain will ever cease, but it does ease. Her love for us is more powerful than the pain.
God bless all the angel 😇 parents walking the same path.