Patient Education Living with Loss | Page 20

Loss of a Child A child’s death can be especially hard for his or her parents, no matter what the age of the child. Each parent may react differently to a child’s death. Because you may not be able to support one another during this time, seek help from others. As a parent, you may feel guilty that you outlived your child. You lost not only your child but also some of your future hopes and dreams. For parents who have lost a child, the inability to accept pleasure is one of the biggest barriers to healing. Beginning to enjoy life again doesn’t mean you have forgotten your child or no longer grieve for him or her. You will always love and remember your child. 19