Ten things bereaved parents fear

(Visiting heavenly siblings)

Today, I came across this well written article. Created by someone that understands how it feels to lose a child. And the impacts from it. I'm adding into the blog some of the main bullets, and a link to her article too. Just in case you want to learn more.

Talking about the fears bereaved parents endure might be eye opening to some people. It was for me, especially when putting a clear name to them. Like all fears, these listed below might appear to look irrational. I know most people in my life do not think these things. As the writer shared, I’m not even sure who is the “you” I am writing to; but have the assurance that it is nobody in particular. Here is the list so you can be better able to help those hurting, and honestly, so you can help me too.

1. We fear you will think another baby or child, biological or adopted, will replace the one(s) we lost.
2. We fear you will see our progress as proof we have “moved on” with our lives.
3. We fear you will not include our heaven babies with our living children.
4. We fear you will think we are seeking attention.
5. We fear you will think we are being petty or selfish.
6. We fear you have a timeline for our grief.
7. We fear you’ll judge our faith.
8. We fear you will compare our baby loss experience with someone else’s baby loss experience.
9. We fear you will not understand the ways we choose to honor our children’s memories.
10. We fear you will forget them.

Understanding these ten fears might give you the tools to help someone you care, whom have experienced a child loss. Or perhaps allow you to comprehend why they behave or say certain things. Moreover knowing these fears will help you take down some misconceptions, or lies, or unachievable expectations for them or yourself. 

If you want to learn more, or read more details on each fear, here is a link to the full article:

The 10 Things Bereaved Mothers Fear You'll Think