How Do You Honor (or want to) Honor Your Child?

Losing a child, at any age, involves so much pain and anguish AND it also puts things in perspective, softening our hearts in new ways.

It’s been almost 20 years since Alison died and still I want to know that she is remembered. That her life meant something – that her life and memory made and is making an impact on others.

My sense is I’m not alone in this desire, that most, if not all bereaved parents desire the same.  And it doesn’t matter if your child was one hour old or 30 years old.

I’ve also seen that we in the awful club of bereaved parents have a heart and compassion for other parents in our members only club. We’ve had to weather storms no one should. We’ve seen ways we can help others - whether it be providing blankets in the hospital or sharing the tools, skills, and resources we've gained through our grieving process.  We just want to share with those who can benefit from them.

Finally, I don’t know if it’s just me because of the work I do, or if you get it too…but it seems like whenever anyone hears of someone losing a child they come to me asking for either advice on how to help the parents or wanting me to talk to, “fix”, or support the newly bereaved parents in some way.

 Any of this sound familiar? All of this ring true? I’m curious to hear from you…

 First and foremost, what is your child’s name would you share 5 words to describe them?

 What do you most want people to know, learn, or gain from your child’s life?

 What have you thought of doing or done to keep your child’s life and memory alive and meaningful?

Do you want to or are you already supporting other parents? And if so, where do you feel like you’ve got it down and other areas where you feel like you’d love more ideas?

 If you had it all your way, how would you like to integrate your child’s life and your experience dealing with their death into your life?

Click here to answer any of these questions (and several others).