My daughters and I have been attending a grief support group since March. It is a nurturing environment geared towards children that have lost a loved one. They also provide an optional support group for parent to attend while the kids are in their groups.

It has been a very positive experience and the girls look forward to going. I especially appreciate that it allows them to interact with other children that have lost a parent since it helps them recognize that while the loss of a parent is uncommon at a young age, we are not abnormal and sadly, other families are in similar situations. I hope that realization will allow them to understand that we will continue to cope and function as a family.

I also chose to attend the optional parent session and the overall experience has been positive. However, the last two sessions I attended have been quite challenging for me emotionally. Unlike previous sessions where I participated actively, I was either crying or sitting quietly. I was sad by our collective grief because at almost every session I have attended at least one new family joins. They join a group that no one deserves – due to the premature death of a spouse or a child. Seeing the newly bereaved faces is a devastating reminder of why we are all there.

Without question, joining the support group has been a great decision for the girls, they enjoy it, have lots of of fun, and make new friends. There is no intention of stopping anytime soon. However, I questioned my continued participation in the parent session given how I sad I felt after the last two sessions. Quickly, I remembered that in the limited time since joining, the experience had been very beneficial to me. The group has allowed me to open up with other bereaved individuals about things that will seem irrational or illogical to others. The group also helps validate these things as normal part of grieving and in many cases they share similar experiences. The shared experiences has helped me cope with some of my personal challenges and also inspires me to have courage.

My hope is that as others join rather than being discouraged by our collective grief, I may be able to share an experience that may be beneficial to others and help someone else have hope when there seems to be none.