Grieving the Loss of a Child During Christmas
Be aware of grieving parents at Christmas
What can you do for a grieving parent at Christmas?
I came across a posting that was a fitting reminder to all of us for the Christmas season. As much as we all love the fun, family and excitement of Christmas, there are people who are reminded of the loss of their child..born or unborn.
This is a well written article that speaks to grieving for a child…wishing you could be celebrating Christmas with them. Take the time to read the article on Kyria‘s site, Healing for Grieving Parents by Amy Kuelbelbeck and you’ll find the right things to say, how to comfort and just be there for those experiencing loss of their child.
A hospital Kit for grieving parents
One thing I would add to her kit for grieving parents she gives to hospitals would also be to include enough plaster for hand prints of their child. She had included plaster of Paris for the feet. If you have thought of hand printing your own child or grandparent but have been putting it off, click on the links that will take you through the hand print process.
Be sensitive to grieving parents during Christmas
(This is a comment that is below, on this posting. I feel that it is important enough to include it in the body of this posting.)
Having miscarried very early on in my last pregnancy, I know first hand the grief felt. The one thing I would encourage you not to say during this time of anguish is:
you can try for another baby! My OB/GYN said this to me at my check up 1 week after, and I could have honestly ripped her head off!
But Christ saw me through and I didn’t need to be escorted off the premises, but I did get a new doctor.
A very close family member lost their 1st baby 3 days after he was born. Years later, the Mom told me that my asking: how can I help you honor him? was something she’ll always remember.
Be sensitive to those who have experienced losses during this Christmas season. Give the treasured gift of a loving touch, a caring hug and a kind word. Let the love of God be shed abroad in your heart!
Do you have anything you could leave as a comment that would help a grieving parent? What do you say when the situation arises?
Having miscarried very early on in my last pregnancy, I know first hand the grief felt. The one thing I would encourage you not to say during this time of anguish is:
you can try for another baby! My OB/GYN said this to me at my check up 1 week after, and I could have honestly ripped her head off!
But Christ saw me through and I didn’t need to be escorted off the premises, but I did get a new doctor.
A very close family member lost their 1st baby 3 days after he was born. Years later, the Mom told me that my asking: how can I help you honor him? was something she’ll always remember.
Hope this helps Donna!
Linda Kinsman recently posted..Declaring Email Bankruptcy!
Linda, you’ve helped tremendously! I think I’ll add what you said into the posting immediately.
What you said about ‘how can I help to honor him'(her first baby that died 3 days after birth) is something I’ll treasure and remember. Thank you.
DonnaPerugini recently posted..Grieving the Loss of a Child During Christmas
Thank you for this reminder.
When I worked in the dependency court system I found Christmas is also the hardest holiday for children in foster care. 🙁
I get so wrapped up in what is right in front of my face I forget to step back and get a bigger picture. Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season and always. 🙂
Merry Christmas!
Brook
Brook (Matt5vse6) recently posted..Perspective: God is Still on the Throne
Yes, Brook, I forget too. The foster care reference is something I didn’t think of. I was just talking with a girl whose parents do foster care. That foster care child is in a wonderful place, but probably missing her family..even though it’s terribly dysfunctional.
Staying sensitive to others around us and responding accordingly is a sign of maturity. A gentle touch on their shoulder, a warm smile mean so much!
Thanks for commenting and you have a peaceful Christmas too.
DonnaPerugini recently posted..It’s a Giveaway for My Children’s Books
I don’t really know =( i have a friend whose baby died a few days after he was born. I could not say anything but just hugged her..
Viviene recently posted..17 days before Christmas!
I understand, Viviene. The hug you gave your friend probably reached the deepest part of her. Just keep following after love and you’ll be doing the right things.