Often when I share about my deceased child, people rush to give advice or hugs. I don't always need that, though.  Often, all I really need is for you to listen. - Miranda Hernandez, Adrian's Mother

Often all I need is for you to listen

When I was new in my grief, I often didn’t have words. My brain wasn’t ready yet; I was struggling with living.

Almost four years out now, and I’m finally feeling ready to share.

But now, somehow, when I talk about my child, people make assumptions.

They assume I am hurting.
They assume I need help.
They assume I am not “over” his death. (As if death is something that can be “gotten over”).

Related: Graphics Blog: “Healing” from the death of my child is about as likely as regrowing a missing limb

They assume, most of all, that I am sharing as a means of outcry; that my words mean I need advice or love or hugs. (And please know, I appreciate these things! If not for themselves, then for the proof they provide of your love. I am always thankful for your love).

I also need to ask you to listen—

Because often, when I share about my deceased child, that’s all I’m looking for: An ear. A person to open their heart to experience. Someone to take a moment in their day to read and acknowledge, without trying to analyze me.

I am a bereaved mother.

I am also a writer, and this is how I process and communicate.

None of this means I’m broken; not in the way you mean.

Please stop trying to fix me.

Often when I share about my deceased child, people rush to give advice or hugs. I don’t always need that, though.
Often, all I really need is for you to listen.

Related Posts:

Write Your Grief: I Love you. Please.
Miranda’s Blog: Understanding
Graphics Blog: Notes for the Support Team

Downloadable graphics for “Often all I need is for you to listen”:

Shareable graphics and memes about child loss & grief, pregnancy & parenting after loss, grieving without god, life & authenticity, and informed pregnancy.
Return to Graphics Blog Homepage.

Share this post via:

Mothers Day after loss greeting card: In your arms or in your heart, Honoring you on Mothers Day - Sea Glass Parenting

In your arms or in your heart…Honoring you this Mothers Day (Customizable Baby Loss Mothers Day card)

Notes for the Bereaved -  Losing a child at any age is hard. It doesn't matter how far along you were. It doesn't matter if there was anything "wrong" with the baby or if he or she would not have been compatible with life. It doesn't even matter how many other children you have, either before or after your loss. You are always, always, ALWAYS allowed to feel whatever and however you need.  - Miranda Hernandez, Adrian's Mother

Losing a child at ANY age is hard

Notes for the Bereaved -  Of course you miss them! They are gone, and they shouldn't be. Don't ever feel ashamed for that. There is no time limit on grief. - Miranda Hernandez, Adrian's Mother

Of course you miss them!

I miss the days when I still believed all you needed was a good attitude. -Miranda Hernandez, Adrian's Mother

I miss the days when I still believed all you needed was a good attitude

I have the right to feel how I feel, for as long as I feel it, regardless of circumstances  or whether someone else  feels differently.  -Miranda Hernandez Adrian's Mother

I have the right to feel how I feel

Everything says it's not my fault, but does it really matter? Are you any less gone?

Can we talk about the phrase, “It’s not your fault”?

Notes for the Support Team - Words Matter: Original question: Why didn't you…? Rewritten: I have no idea what I would have done were I in your place. I will certainly never second-guess your decisions. -Miranda Hernandez, Adrian's Mother

Why didn’t you…?

Baby loss greeting card: I love you…so much. I'm so sorry for your loss. - Sea Glass Parenting

I love you so much. I’m so sorry for your loss. (Customizable sympathy card)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Explore more of Adrian's Elephant