11/30/2024
There is no doubt that parents need a village to help raise their child, but they also need the village to help them grieve their child.
When there is no baby to hold, hold the parents. Love on the family.
Time passes weird in those first several weeks. Help remind the family of any upcoming appointments. Take kids to school or sports/ lessons if needed. Make sure the family is eating regularly. If you’re close enough to the family, help any young kids with bathing, brushing hair and teeth, help get them to bed, etc. If you’re close enough with the mom, do the same.
Bring a meal, a card, cookies, or just bring yourself and see what things needs to be done. Do the dishes, laundry, walk the dogs, pick up groceries or prescriptions, run the vacuum, etc.
Just show up. Hold space. Let them talk if they want, or just sit in silence if needed.
If you can’t physically be there, send the occasional text or message just to let them know you’re thinking of them, schedule a time to call or video chat. Make it known that you’re just a call away, whenever they need a listening ear. Even if they don’t reach out, knowing that line is open, beyond the basic “let me know if there is anything I can do.” goes a long way.
Show up. Be the village, even when there is no baby to hold.
