After a parent dies it’s common to think about why someone lived…and why s/he died…and to wonder what gives life meaning—to question your belief system.

(It’s OK if you don’t find definitive answers though, because what’s more important is that you allow yourself the opportunity to think and feel things through.)

It’s natural to search for a sense of peace…of hope…and of healing.

Seek out people who acknowledge your loss and will listen to you as you openly express your grief.

Avoid people who try to judge your feelings or try to take them away from you—for instance by saying, “Shouldn’t you be over it by now.”

Sharing your pain with others won’t make it disappear, but it will, over time, make it more bearable.

Reaching out for help also connects you to other people and strengthens the bonds of love that makes life seem worth living again.

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend
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TV Shows and Clips about the Death of Cindy James