I will confess: I’m no better at this than the first set of holidays after Dominic ran ahead to Heaven. Every. Single. Year. has brought changes and challenges on top of the empty chair round the family table.

When each one of my children was born I received him or her as a gift from God.  I could not imagine there would be a day when I would treasure them more than I did on that day. But I do. I miss Dominic, because he was a gift from God too.

I’m thankful this other day exists! Thankful for a day when I can think about and speak about and embrace the child that won’t be with me next weekend. Because Dominic is STILL my son.  He is still very much a part of my heart.  And I need to be able to speak that aloud for others to hear.  

It is neither helpful nor healthy to pretend that sorrow and sadness don’t follow loss.  

Oh how I love you! Your brother’s untimely departure has opened my heart in a whole new way to the glory that is your presence.

Child loss is often sibling loss. In addition to their own heartache, bereaved parents carry the heartache of their surviving children.