Empowering Child Loss Survivors
To Take That Next Step Forward
Child loss changes everything! But I don't have to tell you that. I'm guessing you already know.
Hi, I'm Emily. My life shattered into a million pieces on Christmas 2015 (also my birthday). Our 7-year old son went from healthy to "there's nothing we can do" in a 12-hour time span.
Our life spiraled. A suffocating fog of grief enveloped us and we found ourselves going through the motions of life... a life we no longer recognized or wanted.
Grief is heavy. It is all consuming. It takes every ounce of energy to just keep breathing. But, that's what we did.
When does it get better? That's the question everyone asks. My answer? It doesn't. It just gets different. You must learn to carry this grief and rebuild your life around the hole that is left.
That is how I survive... thrive even. Life is possible again.
"When we share our grief, we lessen it's power and build connection with those that get it."
After Child Loss
The secondary losses that followed were staggering and unexpected. Just existing felt exhausting. Never have I felt so alone while standing in a room full of people. Yet, at the same time connected so profoundly with a complete stranger. I shared my personal grief story on my own blog, Just Playing House. Sharing my loss and the realities of grief was cathartic. I found a passion for helping other bereaved parents navigate this path, build connection, and re-enter life too. So, I became a Certified Grief Coach and formalized the work I was doing.
I have learned so much on this journey. My perspectives on life changed immensely. I am no longer the person I was before. How can anyone think we could ever be the same after picking up all the pieces? They never fit the way they used to.
My loss led me in a direction I never expected... it led me to discover myself. Grief like this is a life long companion. However, it doesn't have to be a painful life sentence. With the right tools, support, and choices, you can rebuild your life and even find happiness again. You just have to be willing to open your mind and take a chance.
Life after loss will never look the way it did before. You will never be that person again. Therefore, it's time to take a new approach to life. This isn't about moving on... it's about moving forward. We don't forget. We don't get over it. We learn to carry it... always honoring who is missing.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed and stuck in our grief. The waves will continue to wash over us again and again. One day we can feel like we are in a good place... then with a snap of the fingers we are taking steps backward. Expect it. Embrace it. This is life with grief.
Healing from child loss looks different than you would expect. It requires a different kind of support... with someone that understands. I want to help you take that next step forward.
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