Death of a Child

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.

Krista – “Crying”

Krista talks about how crying helps her. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Doug – “Two sides of the story”

Doug talks about perspective and forgiveness. Doug continues to grieve the death of his daughter in a car accident.

Krista – “It’s ok to be uncomfortable”

Krista discusses ways to move forward.

Donna B – “Accepting support”

Donna explains how support can help. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Krista – “It’s not your fault”

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

Krista – “Mental illness and self medicating”

Krista talks about mental health and self medicating. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Krista – “It does get easier”

Krista talks about time and acceptance. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

What Can Help with Early Traumatic Grief?

When your child dies you are thrown into a nightmare. None of this is expected to be easy.
Even after several months, it still isn’t. There have been some things that have helped us during
our grief. Maybe they will help you, too.

Donna B – “Sharing Stories”

Donna shares a story and explains why it feels so good. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Cheryl and Mike – “Getting help”

Mike and Cheryl talk about their surviving daughter and getting help. They continue to grieve the death their daughter in a car accident.

Cheryl – “My story” short version

Cheryl talks about her daughter’s organ donations.