Missing Your Deceased Child Does Not Take a Holiday….

 

Invitation to Mother's Heart Meeting

"When hearts listen, angels sing."
-Unknown

I looked forward to the Mother’s Heart 13th annual meeting all day today. This group of Moms support each other prior to the Christmas holiday and honor our children by placing an ornament on the tree of remembrance at Attrell’s, our local funeral home. I only attended this meeting one other time but that proved to be the major reason for my anticipation.

Of the probably 20 in attendance, about half the mothers had about eight or more years since their child’s death but the other half were probably under two years of grief. I noticed this because that was the reason for my anticipation. The last time I attended it was about eight weeks after Zac died and as was commented then by many, “I was raw.” The pain was tremendous and I had no one to talk to about my shattered soul. And I recognized that anguish in many faces tonight.

While reflecting and feeling gratitude for the help I received in the eleven years since Zac’s death, I was also able to recognize this need in so many in attendance tonight. Many of us agreed to meet another time before Christmas to provide for a few more moments of relief for those to pour out a little pain from their grieving hearts.

Our hearts listened because we remembered and because grieving Moms “just know.” As we were coming to an end of the meeting I did not hear the angels singing but what I heard was this group of these Moms’ children, all sitting on a small bleacher, cheering on their mothers and wanting them to know that they were there with us and continue to remain close to them…

If you know someone who has experienced the death of a child (not just recently but ever…) say something to that parent about their deceased child. It will not hurt them anymore than they are already hurting. Say their name, mention that you thought of their child or let them know that their child has not been forgotten. Bereaved parents…be kind to yourself and do what you need to do for you… (Listen to your heart…) Wishing you grace, Chris

PS. I hope grieving Fathers are not offended by the focus on grieving Moms as I am equally heartened by the grief of Fathers. My comments were due to the nature of this meeting only.