Stick Around: Help Another Heart Hold Onto Hope

When grief was fresh, the pain was raw and my heart was oh, so tender, I desperately needed a safe space to talk about the nitty-gritty of child loss.

And I found it in online bereaved parents’ groups.  

I’m so thankful that they exist, that they are maintained by people who give time and energy to keeping them safe and that-for the most part-participants are kind, compassionate and encouraging.

There is something I’ve noticed now that I’ve been here awhile.  Many parents tend to drop out of active participation when they get a little further along in their journey. 

I understand completely that time, plus the work grief requires, often means a heart has less need for these groups.  It’s not that grief dissipates, it’s simply that we get stronger and learn to carry it a little better.

I also know that grief groups can become  Echo Chambers and wear on a heart after a time.

We all need a break.

But can I take a moment to encourage those among us who have learned a little, lived a little and walked longer in the path of child loss to stick around?

Newly bereaved parents need to know that they CAN survive.

Your presence-even if you don’t have wonderful words of wisdom-speaks volumes. 

When someone comments and shares that her loss was 5, 7, 10 years ago, it helps my heart hold onto hope. 

Because if YOU can make it, maybe I can too.  

buckets to put out flames

Author: Melanie

I am a shepherd, wife and mother of four amazing children, three that walk the earth with me and one who lives with Jesus. This is a record of my grief journey and a look into the life I didn't choose. If you are interested in joining a community of bereaved parents leaning on the promises of God in Christ, please like the public Facebook page, "Heartache and Hope: Life After Losing a Child" and join the conversation.

9 thoughts on “Stick Around: Help Another Heart Hold Onto Hope”

  2. When I was new to this, I was so encouraged by those who had been at it longer then I.
    They gave me hope, I looked to them as they had courage.
    I am grateful to them all.

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  3. Pingback: Stay-Help Another Heart Hold Onto Hope – thelifeididntchoose

  5. You’re so right! I’m getting there. It’s now been a year that was filled with more bad days than good but I feel like I’ve started turning a corner. I don’t know how long that will take but there are days I can see light at the end of that long tunnel and by the grace of God and the prayers of family, friends, and all the Angels and Saints I will push thru to the sunlight.

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    1. It is a beautiful thing when you begin to feel your spirit get a bit lighter. It doesn’t happen all at once and there are times when I’ve fallen right back down the pit, but I don’t stay in that dark place as long as I once did anymore. Praying that the Lord continues to lead you in this Valley and that you feel His arms strengthening you at every step. ❤

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  6. Yes, it really does help to know people are “making it through,” no matter how. You have given me great comfort Melaine, along with others who reply to your posts. So thank you , thank you, thank you ❤

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    1. You are so welcome! I’m thankful that the Lord uses this space to encourage others. I love when more folks chime in-it’s always helpful to have another perspective. You comment often and that helps my heart hang on. Thank you! ❤

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