July – Bereaved Parents Month: Missing Our Child(ren)

The month of July has been designated as Bereaved Parents Month. As a parent who has a child who ran ahead to heaven, I believe there is never a time when we don’t miss our child(ren).

Personally, I don’t think someone needed to designate a month on the calendar to remind me there is such a thing as bereaved parents month.  I will never forget, but perhaps this month is more about creating awareness for others.   

As we near the end of this designated month for bereaved parents, I recently came across a poem I wanted to share with you. As I read through each line I could see myself in each and every word.

So, whether it’s July, October or February, I will always be missing my girl. Each and every day there is no need for a reminder that I am a indeed, a bereaved parent.  

When they leave for Heaven you’ll miss them a little everyday

But some days you’ll miss them a little more

You’ll think of them sometimes once, sometimes more times than you can count

You’ll be reminded of their laugh

You’ll try to remember what it felt like driving to their house knowing they would be there

You’ll wonder what it would be like if they were there on the other end of the phone for no reason other than a “Hey, how’s your day?”

You’ll think of them and try to remember all the good days but something will always lead you to that last day with, that last hug, that last I love you and that final goodbye

When they leave for Heaven you’ll miss them a little everyday

But somedays you’ll miss them a little more

You’ll cry on the days you miss them a little more

You’ll look for them a little harder

You’ll try that old phone number hoping it might just be one big mistake and they somehow answer

You’ll look over at the empty seat hoping that if you stare at it enough they’ll be there

You’ll drive to the places that you visited with them

You’ll say a few extra prayers and hope they hear them

You’ll talk to them and sit in silence hoping for a response back

You’ll wear their favorite shirt and listen to their favorite band

You’ll pray so hard that you could have them back just long enough to hug them so tight and say “I miss you so much today and everyday”

Because when they leave for Heaven you’ll miss them a little everyday

But somedays you’ll miss them a little more

Author Unknown