Connecting Through Grief When a Child Dies

Episode 7: Couples: Grieving Differently Together

The final episode of this series focuses on ways couples can support one another even though they are likely grieving very differently. Andy speaks with Keenan’s parents about ways they supported each other following their son’s death from Sickle Cell Disease. Each had their own timeframe for getting out of the house and returning to work, to the store, and to church. Tammy and Kelvin, married for 26 years, each grieved differently and still do—but together they find ways to remember their son and bring awareness to Sickle Cell Disease. St. Jude oncologist Erica Kaye, MD, who has written extensively about grief, explains how families can find comfort, resilience, and hope as they continue to honor their child’s life and legacy.

Episode 6: What about Dad?

Grieving dads share their feelings and talk about their daughters in this episode of Connecting Through Grief When a Child Dies. This is a special episode for all bereaved fathers and for anyone in a relationship with a bereaved father. Penelope’s dad, Andy, and Sydney’s dad, Dean, talk about their little girls and how their lives transformed as they worked to find meaning, purpose and physical wellness after their daughters died. Dr. Mike McNeil, St. Jude palliative care fellow and grief researcher, believes in the importance of hearing the voice of grieving dads. He shares that grieving dads are significantly underrepresented in research studies. Still, current research is showing us that the grief of dads remains more consistent throughout their lives as compared to the grief of mothers. How do we encourage dads to share their voices?

Episode 5: Staying Connected – Friends and Strangers

Why is it that strangers can become friends and friends can become strangers after the loss of a child? In this episode, Andy speaks with Breydon’s mom, Brenda, and Trevor’s mom, Lisa, about their experiences navigating the outside world after the death of their children. Everything changed. Some friends and family they had always counted on were no longer there, while others who were previously strangers, stepped in and began filling the void. St. Jude social worker Traci Adams explains that most people are well-intentioned but often don’t know what to say to a grieving parent. As a result, they may avoid the parent altogether or say the totally wrong thing. Unfortunately, responsibility often falls on the bereaved parent to let others know exactly what they need.

Episode 4: Grief is Normal

In this episode, three parents discuss their longings for their children who are physically absent from them. They consider the longing for their children, and the tears that come with it, to be part of the normal grief process—though tears come easier for some than others. Andy openly discusses crying as a man. Thomas’ mom, Lisa, and Sydney’s mom, Tasha, share examples of ways they long for their children in everyday life. They all agree that grieving parents need to give themselves permission to cry and feel other deep emotions. Jenn Allen, PhD, a St. Jude psychologist, offers expert commentary and reassures listeners that having mixed emotions during grief is all part of the normal grief experience.

Episode 3: What Am I Looking for?

When you are alone and feeling vulnerable, how do you find help? Who do you go to? Where do you turn? In this episode of Connecting Through Grief When a Child Dies, parents Andy and Catie’s mom, Christine, discuss how feelings of vulnerability, confusion, and bewilderment that come with grief make seeking help difficult. They share what they learned about looking for help and support in honoring their child. Brittany Barnett, manager of Patient & Family-Centered Care at St. Jude, offers her thoughts on how differently people grieve, and how important it is to offer support to bereaved families in multiple ways.