When you lose a child, whether it be from a disease, accident, suicide or other means, the question, “Why did my child die?” will always enter your mind. It has been over thirteen years since my baby boy passed away and I still ask that question to this day.
When you first become a parent, it is inconceivable that you could actually lose the precious being that you created. Nobody ever expects their child to do anything but live a happy, healthy and long life. All we want for our children is happiness and health. When this gets taken away, we are shattered to the core.
Some may stay strong in their faith and rely on their beliefs to get them through the grieving process. Others, may lose sight of their faith and succumb to self blame and guilt. Then some will experience both ends of the spectrum and everything in between.
No matter who you are, if your child dies, you will never be the same. Until your last breath, you will never truly understand the purpose behind it all.
I can still vividly see myself sitting next to my baby boy’s bed in the hospital sobbing and pleading to God to take me instead and let my son live. It wasn’t in the cards. It just wasn’t meant to be that way. As much as I wish things were different, there is nothing I can do but cherish the days I had him in my life.
There are so many reasons out of our control for why things happen…. good and bad. The answer to why our children were taken from us is bigger that we can comprehend, but their lives play a large role in the grand scheme of things. It is up to us, as parents, to let their legacy and memory live on so that they will be forever remembered for the amazing souls that they are.
For further reading on coping with the loss of a child, please check out: The Bond Between Bereaved Parents and The Mask.
Image courtesy of FrameAngel at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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