# @alexslemonade on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C_TtZcRtupL
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/22701196-alexslemonade-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/aff96396ee.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-08-30T20:45:36.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (@AlexsLemonade) — https://gondola.cc/AlexsLemonade

## Caption

How to support grieving mothers: #NationalGriefAwarenessDay

When Cole died, his mom Keren Fitzgerald found herself caring for his estate and planning his celebration of life all while dealing with her own profound grief.

“Moms are holding it all together as best as we can and patience with us is appreciated,” said Keren.

“Every day can look different,” said Elizabeth Spellman, a social worker at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. “Consistent support is so valuable for people who feel isolated.”

You may be unsure how to support grieving loved ones. Reactions can vary from being eager to to help to avoiding the subject altogether. While everyone’s grief is unique, one thing grieving mothers have in common is that they will mourn their child forever.

Heather, whose son CJ died from a leukemia treatment-related infection, reminds people not to be afraid to talk about him. CJ is forever her son.

“You aren’t reminding me about something I forgot by bringing him up; I know,” said Heather.

Experts provide the following advice on how to comfort to grieving mothers:

-Say their name.

Amy’s daughter Brooke was 12 when she died from neuroblastoma.

“Every parent wants their child not to be forgotten. Say their name. Share memories and photos of them,” Amy said.

-Acknowledge that grief looks different for everyone.

“There are so many things I wish people knew about MY grief, but we all grieve so differently,” said Dawn Talley. Dawn’s son Elijah died at 18 after a long battle with neuroblastoma.

Include your loved one in important events, but also recognize they may need patience and space.

-Show up.

After her son Declan died, Megan blasted her childhood friend for using the phrase “he’s in a better place.” Instead of backing away, her friend sought to understand Megan’s grief. 

“She has helped carry my grief, never shying away or avoiding it. It remains the best thing anyone has done to support me,” said Megan.

Showing up can take all sorts of forms.

“Leaning into the unique relationship you already have with your grieving loved one is an easy way to be there,” said Elizabeth Spellman.

Read the full blog: alexslemonade.org/blog/how-help-grieving-mothers

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## Tags

nationalgriefawarenessday

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