Bereaved Parents Awareness Month

I just learned that July is Bereaved Parents Awareness Month.  The purpose of this month is to bring awareness to bereaved parents.  Child loss occurs during pregnancy, soon after birth, within the first few years, during childhood, and adulthood.  Anytime a parent loses a child, no matter the age, it’s devastating.  

No parent has a child expecting them to pass before they do.  Parents expect to go before their children.  Unless a parent is made aware of complications or concerns before hand, loss of a child is a shock.

Often times people do not know what to say to a parent who has lost a child, so they remain silent.  Talk to bereaved parents about their loss, don’t run away or make your self unavailable.  It’s understandable that you don’t know what to say, but at the time of loss a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen is a must.  On anniversaries of a child’s birthday or passing, times can become unbearable.  You may not know what to say, but your presence and your thoughts are so meaningful to someone who is grieving the loss of a little one. Ask them how they are doing and say their child’s name.  You might make them cry, but I promise it will more than likely be because their child’s name was spoken by someone else.

I came across Bereaved Parents of the USA.  This is a website with resources and a list of support groups all over the United States.  It’s a very small chapter offering their services and support to grieving parents, grandparents, and siblings.  They do not have chapters in every state, but most states have at least one chapter.  They also invite you to start your own chapter, as you see the need for an area near you.  I hope you take the time to check it out or share the information with someone you know.

Another website I found helpful is Bereaved Parents Awareness Month.  One of the things I liked most about this website was that it explains the experiences of grief.  I think the explanations they give are great for grieving parents to read, to know what to expect, and for friends and family members of the bereaved to understand the emotional roller coaster they will be going on and experiencing for most of their life.  

Grief is always with us.  I know I’ve heard people say they are afraid to remind me of Jay or they don’t want to bring up the memories.  I am here to tell you that those who have lost a child at any stage, think about that child every day.  No one has to remind you of your loss, because it is something that you live with constantly.

Help the child loss community bring awareness to bereaved parents and be a shoulder to lean on or offer an ear to listen.  Small actions like this are so meaningful to us!