Support > Heavy Hearts
By Kara L.C. Jones,
KotaPress Editor
and Katie D. Smith, KotaPress Co-Editor
When the tragic loss of
a baby occurs, attention
for care and support is
often given to parents,
as where grieving grandparents
may often be forgotten about.
Their hearts are heavy and
sad not only for the loss
of their precious grandbaby,
but also for the pain their
children are enduring from
such tragedy. Bereaved grandparents
deserve to have a network
for support during such
trying times. Many times
they take on the responsibility
of caring for their adult
children's needs for comfort
as they grieve; yet, grandparents
are in need of similar comfort.
I applaud all grandparents
that have given their whole
hearts to their children
that have experienced a
loss. My only hope is that
more support becomes readily
available to such devoted
people. They deserve a voice!
My mom has been extremely
supportive for me, since
I lost my son, Charles.
I can't ever thank her enough
for all she has done and
has continued to do in her
grandbaby's memory and honor.
I know it has been a long
and difficult road for her...for
both of us. I'll always
be here for her even if
she just needs a warm hug.
We will always grieve the
loss of our Charles. We
will forever miss him.
Charles' Grandma wrote
the following letter to
him. It was our first Christmas
without Charles:
12-24-1999
To my dear Charles Christopher,
a beloved & wonderful
Grandson.
You are in my thoughts
& prayers.
I know you are safe and
loved in the arms of the
lord,
While your Mom & I
celebrate Christmas.
You will always be a part
of me; after all, you
have my chin!
I'll always love you!
Love, Grandma
If you know of an organization
that offers support to grieving
grandparents, we would like
to know. Please contact
KotaPress
with information to such
organizations. The following
are some links to sites
that offer support for bereaved
grandparents:
Missing Our GrandAngels - Yahoo Group for Grandparents:
This group was sent into us by one of the founders, Donna, Zach's Grandma. She assures me that their group is open to grandparents who are bereaved after death of a child due to any cause, including miscarriage or stillbirth. People are not excluded based on cause of death. When you go to join, you will be asked to first communicate with the moderator to let them know a bit about your situation. They do this as a way to keep safe space. They seem to be a very active group with lots of discussion and messages. Check it out -- see if it fits for you.
Grieving Grandparents:
An online email support
group for grandparents that
grieve the loss of a grandchild.
***: BE WARNED: The owner of this group has told us in writing via email that she does not acknowledge death caused by miscarriage or stillbirth to be "child death"!!!! While we do not agree with her position at all, we have met some wonderful grandparents via this list, so we continue to list it here. But the owner of this group and memorial walls she runs do NOT list miscarried or stillborn children because she told us, in writing via email, it was not "child death".***
Griefworks
BC~Support in British Columbia
Resourceful Articles for
Grieving Grandparents
AGAST
Alliance of Grandparents,
A Support in Tragedy
An all volunteer organization
dedicated to helping grandparents
through the trauma, stress
and grief after the loss
of a grandchild. Offers
many resources to help grandparents. I know this group is open to grandparents whose grandchildren died due to any cause because my own mom, a stillbirth grandma, has gotten and given support thru AGAST!! *** KotaPress' highest rating and recommendation for AGAST!!!!****
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