Grandparents’ Remembrance
We are the grieving grandparents, the shepherds of our children and grandchildren’s lives. Our grief is two-fold and at times we feel powerless to help. We seek to comfort our children in the depths of their grief and yet we need the time and space to face our own broken hearts. We have been robbed of the special tender touch a grandparent shares with a grandchild and we have lost a symbol of our immortality. As we walk by our child’s side, we both give and draw strength. We reach into their hearts to comfort them, and when they reach out to us in their distress, we begin the journey to heal together. We continue to be their guardians. We allow traditions to change to accommodate their loss. We support the new ones which symbolize the small steps on their journey. It is in their healing that our hearts find comfort.
~Susan Mackey, TCF, Rutland, VT~
Bereaved grandparents suffer a two-fold loss, comforting their own children as they themselves grieve. For those who have gone through the death of a grandchild, you are always welcome to attend TCF chapter meetings and events. The Compassionate Friends also offers brochures, customized bereavement packets, and parent/grandparent chats through our Online Support Community.
Brochure: The Grief of Grandparents
TCF's Online Support Community offers Parent/Grandparent chats/ There are ten sessions held over six days each week.
All TCF National Conferences hold workshops for bereaved grandparents, as well as sharing sessions you are welcome to attend.
Attend Chapter Meetings: Bereaved grandparents are welcome to attend meetings held by all of our 630 chapters. To locate a chapter near you, visit Chapter Locator or call the National Office at 877-969-0010.
Our national magazine, We Need Not Walk Alone, includes stories geared toward bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents. For more information visit We Need Not Walk Alone.
Receive a customized bereavement packet: When you call the National Office, you are welcome to request a bereavement packet. You will be asked a few questions so we can determine what should be included in your packet, which will be sent you at no charge. We send out, on average, more than 5,000 bereavement packets every year.
To ask questions or receive support after the death of a grandchild, you are invited to write Polly Moore (bereaved grandparent and parent, as well as a current membetr of TCF's National Board of Directors) at lolly39@aol.com.