There is this unfortunate myth in our society that we need to “move on” and “heal” from loss and grief. This myth often arises at key points such as the day after the funeral, or the day a parent goes back to work again, or the one-year anniversary of the death or tragedy.
What needs to be understood is that these dates are often the hardest for a bereaved parent. These dates and many others function as milestones; as reminders of the child’s life that will forever be grieved.
Grief is eternal, because love is, and no one understands that better than the bereaved. Please acknowledge and honor this need to maintain connection even after death. Acknowledge that grief, like love, lasts as long as it needs.
Notes for the Support Team – Words Matter:
Original statement: It’s time to move on.
Rewritten: I understand you grieve for and miss your child. What can I do to help you honor them today?
Related Posts:
Miranda’s Blog: How do you get past losing a baby?
Graphics Blog: “Healing” from the death of my loved one or child
Downloadable graphics for “Notes for the Support Team; Words Matter: “It’s time to move on””:
!["This is my [Fill in the Blank] Mother's Day. Thank you for remembering and honoring my child and my motherhood this year" in blue text inside a white circle surrounded by a yellow abstract design. Five pink and green flowers surround the image.](https://adrianselephantpanda2.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/27094844/4.png)
![Sea Glass Parenting Baby Loss Remembrance print: "[Insert name] I would the sky with your name if I could" in white lettering on a background of dark blue and purple starry sky](https://adrianselephantpanda2.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/25120211/SGPrintFlat-I-Would-Paint-The-Sky-With-Your-Name-If-I-Could-1.jpg)
![Birthday message for deceased child card: Happy Birthday, [Fill in name]. I love you - Sea Glass Parenting](https://adrianselephantpanda2.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/26130207/SGPCardFlat-Happy-Birthday-I-Love-You-Fill-In-Name-Birthday-Cake-IG-8.jpg)
![Birthday wishes after death card: Thinking of you with love on your child's Birthday. [Blank inside.] - Sea Glass Parenting](https://adrianselephantpanda2.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/26130137/SGPCardFlat-Thinking-Of-You-On-Your-Childrens-Birthday-Envelope-Heart-Blank-Inside-IG-12.jpg)
![This random act of kindness performed in memory of : [fill in the blank]. Please pass the kindness along to help keep their memory alive.](https://adrianselephantpanda2.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/18095256/Act-Of-Kindness-In-Memory-Of-Card-2.png)
![Baby loss greeting card: In honor of the birthday of [fill in the blank], I have made a donation to [fill in the blank] - Sea Glass Parenting](https://adrianselephantpanda2.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/22174434/SGPCardFlat-In-Honor-Of-Your-Childs-Birthday-I-Made-A-Donation-To-IG-9.jpg)
![The month of October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness month. Honoring all children lost too soon, including my child: [fill in the blank] - Sea Glass Parenting](https://adrianselephantpanda2.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/30130345/Pregnancy-And-Infant-Loss-Awareness-Month-In-Honor-Of-My-Child-1-3.jpg)
