Parent(s)'s Grief

I can't even begin to imagine the personal nightmare that is now an integral part of Mr. & Mrs. Winehouse's every waking moment. How can a parent handle receiving the tragic news that their 27-year-old daughter has been found lifeless in her bed? My daughter is 27. I have no idea how I would have handled such a personal crisis if I were in their shoes.

Two Saturdays ago, I attended the funeral service of a 22-year-old woman who drowned on Canada Day (July 1st). Her untimely death was a major shock to her parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, other family members and close friends.

I've never really thought about this situation before now. However, burying your child has got to be the worst possible tragedy that a loving parent could ever face. Children are supposed to bury their parents; not the other way around.

I have no words of wisdom to share. I have no advice to give. All that I can do is to pray for them.

This is one of life's hardest and most cruel tragedies; one that some new families were forced to face today.

At least for Mr. & Mrs. Winehouse, they have each other to hold onto, to cry together, to discuss this tragedy and to recount fond memories of experiences that they shared together with their daughter, Amy.

The couple who buried their daughter were no longer together. As a consequence, during their daughter's funeral service and also at her grave side, each one was not willing or able to reach out to the other. They were geographically together but yet they bore their grief alone.

Sometimes just the tender touch of a loved one is enough.
It lets you know that someone cares what you are going through.
It lets you know that someone wants to share your load.
It lets you know that someone wants to help you to carry your burden.

I hope that tonight when the darkness of sorrow envelopes mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas, cousins, friends and neighbours who will never again hear a familiar laugh or be blessed with the dearly departed's beautiful smile, someone will be there to provide them that caring, loving, gentle touch that they need to make it through this storm.