We've all heard about the stages of grief. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. Neat and tidy on paper. In real life, they show up uninvited, out of order, and some overstay their welcome. But there's something nobody really talks about.

Second Firsts. The first time you have to do something without your faithful companion.

Gratitude can feel like a heavy word when you’re in the midst of loss and grief.

Some days, it may seem impossible to find anything to be thankful for when the pain feels so intense. It’s okay to sit with that ~ grief is complicated, and there’s no right or wrong way to experience it. It’s not about forcing gratitude, but allowing it to appear in its own time and way.

Experiencing the loss of a child is an unimaginable sorrow for any parent, and while no words can fully ease their pain, our support and compassion can make a significant difference in their healing journey. Reaching out with empathy and understanding during these difficult times can help provide comfort and solidarity, offering a small beacon of hope amidst their grief.