Sorry for your loss

I am the mother of 6 children, the aunt to several including a beautiful angel named Gretchen that did not live long enough to go home from the hospital. My sister is the mother of this beautiful angel that touched all of our lives in so many ways. I believe that the death of her child brought us closer as sisters. It was a tragedy that affected us all but her most of all. We were there to face this together including the stress and sorrow she felt for days, weeks, months, lifetime together Even today 26 years later we talk about what Gretchen might have been. Many prayers have been said and our hope is that one day we will see her again.


This poem I found here sums it up if you have a friend facing the fact of losing her child

What I need as a grieving mother

By Jessica

What I need…

I need to say her name without bringing everyone to tears.

I need her life to be included in the count of children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

I need kindness on birthdays and understanding on holidays.

I need to stay in bed and a reason to get out of it.

I need to talk endlessly and to let the phone ring.

I need an extra hug and respect for my space.

I need someone to ask how I’m doing and want to know the real answer.

I need careful announcements of pregnancies, baby showers and births, mine did not turn out as I hoped.

I need a “handle with care” sticker for my heart, my emotions have been fragile since the day I said goodbye.

I need patience and reminders for my mind, part of it will always be somewhere else.