Death of a Child

Grief & Ice Cream

When my wife of 18 years died in 2016, I became a single father missing the love of my life, and also had to learn how to raise two girls (13-17 at the time) on my own. I remember a conversation I had with my mother-in-law and oldest daughter that began as reminiscing over a person who became a lost love to all of us. We all talked about different aspects of my wife but shortly, it transformed into a “who meant more to her” fest.

Krista – “It’s not your fault”

Krista discusses how people blame themselves. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Joyce – A favorite memory with music

Joyce tells a story about her son supporting her and the power of music

Joyce – Beliefs

Joyce talks about her belief system after her son died

Krista – “They are not trying to kill themselves”

Krista explains they are not trying to kill themselves. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Betsy – Adoption and grief

Betsy tell her story of losing her adopted son to cancer

Doodles

On the first anniversary, I invited people who would understand – friends who knew Marshal’s love of art, and his creative spirit. They all came.

I had copied several of Marshal’s doodles of incomplete characters and creatures, with some finished for the kids to color. I eagerly watched to see which doodle or drawing each person chose.

Betsy – You can’t know until you know

Betsy talks about support and what really helps when one is in grief

Russell – “My Story”

Russell discusses learning how to deal with the loss of his son.

Donna B – “Grief Dreams”

Donna discusses dreams and reality. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Krista – “Things you can do that help”

Krista shares some of the things that help her through the grieving process.

Joyce – Mothers supporting mothers in grief

Joyce talks about the value of a support network of other mothers who have lost