What to do and/or say...

[Cheryl Haggard]

Here are some ideas of what to say and do for a grieving parent and family...

Please let us know that the death of our baby affected you also.

Please let me share my story with you. Over and over again if necessary. Sometimes, I need to keep going over the details until they seem real.

Please send us a card, so we know that you are thinking of us and that we are in your prayers.

If we have other children, please remember them also. They are grieving too. Offer to take them on an outing, because we still can't face the reality "that life goes on."

If you are running errands, please call to see if we need anything.

Please arrange for meals for our family. Something that can be frozen for later would be preferable.

Please don't avoid us. I know it's hard to know the right words to say to me right now, but just being there for me so I can cry on your shoulder, means more to me than you'll ever know.

Please remember our baby on his birthday. A simple card letting us know that you were thinking of him, means so much to us.

Remember the father also. The death of this baby is a great loss for him too. Ask how he is doing. Is there anything you can do for just him.