The Beacon: 2024 06/23

When Texa died, I was unaware of any resources available to bereaved parents other than books written on the subject. Thankfully, through personal contacts and Google searches, I found out about groups, online communities, blogs, and excellent articles that helped me understand I was not alone, I wasn’t crazy, and I could survive. These resources provided a lifeline, helping me navigate the turbulent waters of grief and offering a sense of community and understanding during an otherwise isolating time.

I am now working on a series of posts highlighting some of the most helpful things people did for me and our family in the early days of our grief journey. These posts will also explore the physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological challenges and experiences of grief. I hope that by sharing my story, I can comfort and guide others through a similar experience.

If you are a bereaved parent or someone who loves a bereaved parent, please consider joining my public Facebook page, Grief Unashamed, and sharing your perspective. This page is intended to be a safe space to support one another, share our experiences, and remind ourselves that we are not alone in our grief.

Not long after Texa died, someone suggested that I might start a group for bereaved parents in my area. There are not any close by in our small Oklahoma community, and the idea of creating a support group initially seemed daunting. I was not even ready to talk openly about my own feelings, much less listen to and absorb the pain of other grieving parents. The thought of facilitating a group while still processing my own grief felt overwhelming.

However, a local church introduced me to a beautiful ministry a few months ago. Through this ministry, I discovered the blessing of belonging to a community of people who, unfortunately, know how I feel and can relate to my experience as a bereaved parent. This connection has been incredibly healing, offering a sense of solidarity and understanding that only those who have walked this path can provide.

Grief Unashamed aims to facilitate connections between bereaved parents, whether they are in my local area or spread across the globe. For some, online connections will be the most comfortable and accessible option. Others may get together in physical spaces, forming local support communities. Whatever works and brings hope to grieving hearts is wonderful. I am committed to supporting these connections in any way I can.

I am not going to “invite friends” to like this page because, thankfully, I do not have that many people on my friend list who have buried children. But I am inviting those who read my blog and who have themselves lost a child to “like” the Grief Unashamed page. And I encourage you to invite other bereaved parents too. There is no agenda other than encouraging one another in Christ and reminding ourselves of our hope in Jesus: death is defeated, the grave is not the end, and our children will one day be reunited with us in glory.

In sharing my journey, I hope to create a space where we can all find solace and strength. The early days of grief are incredibly challenging. Still, with the support of a compassionate community, we can begin to heal. Grief Unashamed is my small contribution to this effort, a place where we can share our stories, offer support and remind one another that we are not alone. Please join us, share your perspective, and help us build a community of hope and healing.

Robin Kite - Grief Unashamed

Back to blog