Ways to help bereaved parents.
Compiled by Heather Kerridge.
I have received responses from professionals, bereaved parents, and those who want to help.
Grief Counsellor and Psychologist: ‘An indispensable reference for people in the field and more importantly, for parents enduring the many facets of mourning the loss of a child.
Personal and Marriage Counsellor: ‘This book is an asset. I’d recommend it for every counsellor’s office.’
Grief Counsellor: ‘It has taught me a lot. I have read and re-read it. You have shown the outside word the devastation of the parents, and how we can support you.’
Personal Counsellor: ‘Your book is excellent! People in grief don’t want theoretical ideas. They want heart to heart. I’ll certainly be using it in my work with people in need.’
School Teacher: ‘It is absolutely excellent! It is written so simply and yet so profoundly. My colleague read it too and will recommend that it be bought for the staff library to help teachers. It’s the best book I’ve read on the topic!’
Other reader responses.
‘Your comments will validate and give confidence to those whose child has died…and give loved ones and friends confidence in their reactions and ways to help.’
‘You are so brave to share, from such personal depths, with the world. On a practical level, the book is ‘spot on’! You have created a valuable resource for the families and friends of grieving people.’
‘Your book is marvellous! I just wish it was out there for us, years ago, when we lost our own children.’
‘I identified with this book immediately. I didn’t know it was OK to feel what I did! I felt so angry and people didn’t like it and told me to get over it! I needed to read this book!’
‘You recorded a lot of feelings that are not often shared. It was helpful for me to gain more understanding.’
‘I am so glad you can grieve how you want to. Yep – sometimes I don’t understand it, but to me it’s like sacred ground. Not for trampling over, fencing in, or ignoring. But simply just is – and acknowledge it as that. I am glad that you have spoken about this because you have the authority to.’
Our family. From left: Chris, Heather, Rowen (deceased), Jeremie, Coralie, Camara, Graham.