Bereaved Parents Newsetter
Image courtesy of Anna Short Photography                                                  February, 2016
What Should You Say to a Bereaved Parent
from The Compassionate Friends
  • Do let your genuine concern and caring show 
  • Do be available ... to listen, to run errands, to help with the other children or whatever else seems needed at the time
  • Do say you are sorry about what happened to their child and about their pain
  • Do allow them to express as much grief as they are feeling at the moment and are willing to share
  • Do encourage them to be patient with themselves, not to expect too much of themselves and not to impose any "shoulds" on themselves
  • Do allow them to talk about the child who has died as much and as often as they want
Positive Ways to Support a Grieving Dad
by Kelly Farley

I often hear from grieving dads that tell me they feel alone in their grief after the death of their child. It amazes me that after going through something as profound as the death of a child, that these men feel so alone and isolated. As much as it amazes me, I can relate because I too felt alone after the death of my two children.
Enough Angels
by Tom Wyatt

Blake, our six-year-old son bore witness to his brother's death. Johnny was only four when his body was smashed by a large truck that ran over him. To say that Blake and Johnny were close would be a gross understatement. They were best buddies and they never fought. They had a bond that was unbreakable... even in death. Blake's spirit was as damaged as his brother's body. After the accident Ruth and I were inconsolable. We stopped talking. Blake did his best to take care of his mom and dad.
In loving Memory
A conference for parents with no surviving children
Finding your Lifeline
April 7 - April 10, 2016
Hyatt Fair Lakes, Fairfax, Virginia
I Was Not Able to Protect My Daughter (child homicide)
by Vince Sanchez

Author's Note: Several years ago, a detective from a metropolitan police department sent me an email concerning the death of his 17 year old daughter. She had been brutally murdered by her boyfriend and the anniversary of her death was fast approaching. Vince was struggling with several grief issues, one of which was his perception that as a police officer he was unable to protect her and save her life.
With his permission, I am sharing my response to his email in the hopes that it will help bereaved dads, especially those of you in law enforcement and emergency response who may be coping with some of the same issues.

Peggy Sweeney, Editor | Email Address | 830-377-7389 | Website
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