365: Lost, Gone, or Passed Away: How We Talk About Our Child’s Death

“My child died.” For some pareavors, those words feel painfully harsh and impossible to say. Others may choose “passed away,” “went to Heaven,” “is gone,” or “I lost my child” because those words soften a reality their hearts are still struggling to comprehend. Yet the language that comforts one grieving parent may be difficult or even upsetting for another.

In this episode, Laura explores the meaning and emotions carried by the words we use to talk about our child’s death. There is no right or wrong phrase and no deadline for being able to say certain words. This episode will help you give yourself permission to use the words that feel most honest and bearable to your heart, even if they are different from the words another pareavor chooses.

This episode was sponsored by Teck-Min Ho, from Singapore, in memory of his daughter Emma.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about The GPS Hope Grief Cruise in October, 2027.

GPS Hope & Healing retreat, October 16-18, in Sarasota, FL

Free printable guide: Rebuilding Your Life: A Gentle Guide Toward Hope and Healing After Child Loss.

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Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Alyshia DeFranco was born on September 6 and is forever 24.

Brady Keith Herbert was born on September 7 and is forever 30.