Holidays after a loss are challenging for most bereaved parents. As much as this is completely understandable for those who’ve experienced child loss, some who haven’t might not.
Here is an honest and real example of one of the mothers from the Grieving Parents Support Network community who announced her decision about this year’s holiday on Facebook:
After much consideration, sadly won’t be sending the famous annual Christmas cards that so many of you look forward to each holiday season. Just having a hard time to find things to be “merry” and “bright” about this year. Honestly I don’t think we can bring ourselves to even decorate the house with a tree and stockings, besides a few lights on the outside. The gaping hole and feeling in my chest just feels like it’s getting deeper on these days where I think to what should’ve been. Our precious gift was supposed to come in September but he’s sitting up in heaven now and these days are just getting harder and harder for us.
How about you?
So often we expect people to know how we feel and what we need. The truth is often they don’t and mostly they guess. Often they guess wrong.
Why not share authentically, honestly and openly about how you feel and what you need. This allows people to show empathy and meet you where you are.
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