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.

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Notes for the Support Team - Words Matter: Original Statement: Having a birthday party for a dead child is weird. Rewritten: I've never been to a birthday party for a deceased child, but I'd love to honor him in this way. How can I help? -Miranda Hernandez, Adrian's Mother

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We need to talk about grief

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Notes for the Support Team - Words Matter: Original statement: Have you thought about adoption? Rewritten: I understand the idea of having children after loss is complicated. I'm never going to push you or ask you questions you aren't ready to answer. I'm here though, if you ever want to talk about it. -Miranda Hernandez, Adrian's Mother

Have you thought about adoption?

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