Dealing with the Loss of a Child
Frank’s son died at the age of twelve. The first question he asked was why. Not only why did his boy die, but why do 12-year-olds die. Parents aren’t supposed to be grieving children.
“Why” questions are altogether appropriate to ask. Ask them of family members, friends, ministers, doctors, anyone you trust enough to bear these questions from the soul.
Comforting Hands of God by Sarah Pollock Searle
One caution concerning “why” questions. After we have exhausted ourselves in every form of “why” pursuit, we will probably discover that “why” questions are usually a one-way road to nowhere.
Perhaps, though, it is better to change the question from “why” to “what.” What do we do now that this has happened? What can be done that would honor the memory of the deceased? By posing the new question, we find ourselves now open to a world of possibilities.
Rodger Murchison’s book Guide for Grief invites all of those questions and more, answering them with fresh and promising thoughts about how to deal with this journey through grief.
(Click here for information on How Children Grieve)
