Guest Blog: Children and Grief

Grief is something that is completely different for every person who experiences it. I'm sure you have all heard of the five stages theory: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I've dealt with them all, although I'm still having a bit of trouble with that last one, acceptance. In 2006 my first pregnancy went horribly wrong and I ended up losing my daughter, Quinne. She passed away in my arms in the cold, stark hospital room that had been my home for 9 long weeks.

Trying to be present for your children while you grieve can be one of the biggest challenges you face. In April of 2007, ten months to the day after the death of my first daughter, I gave birth to Miranda, a beautful and healthy baby girl. I wanted to be happy for the addition of this new life and on the outside I was. I put on a great show for friends and visiting family. Inside my heart was breaking. I loved Miranda, of course I did, but I was also aching for Quinne too. In fact, my pregnancy with Miranda had been a complete accident and I hadn't intended on getting pregnant again so soon. I needed time to grieve properly. Unfortunately, I hadn't been given that time.