The truth is, mourning a child is an ongoing process. There can be times of profound pain triggered by special occasions or dates. Similarly, sadness can also be triggered by chance occurrences like a song on the radio, the aroma of cooking, or the sight of a special symbol.

On the other hand, there may be times when you are able to rejoice over the memory of your lost child, feeling profound gratitude for your time together. Ultimately, mourning is cyclical. That’s where a support group is incredibly helpful; it’s there to provide comfort, regardless of what form your mourning takes.

It is absolutely normal to cry every day after the loss of your child. Similarly, it’s perfectly normal not to cry at all after your child’s death. There is no right or wrong reaction to the loss of a child. The important thing is to not judge yourself and allow your emotions to come. Sitting with your feelings is a big part of the healing process that can be aided by a bereavement support group.

You can get support from Ian’s Place immediately—that’s what we’re here for. Call or chat online now. Of course, if you’re unable to connect at an unusual time, don’t hesitate to call emergency services. Again, these resources exist to help people who are in your exact situation. Emphatically, you are not alone.

Emotional pain is terrible to bear, made worse by isolation. The purpose of a support group is to gather with people who have undergone similar losses. When you attend one of our support groups, you are welcome to speak or just listen—it’s entirely up to you. As a place for healing in a Christian environment, we are here to provide the love, faith, and support you need to heal.

When it comes to talking about death, it’s important to adjust your language so it is age appropriate. Toddlers have a different capacity for understanding death than preschoolers and school-aged children. Again, it helps to attend support groups with other bereaved parents with similar experiences.