If your child has died, start here.
We are so sorry you need us, and truly glad you found us. Right now it may take everything you have just to get through the day. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
What you’re feeling is normal.
After a child dies, many parents tell us they’re afraid they are going crazy. You are not. This is what grief does. You may notice:
- Fog and forgetfulness
- Replaying what happened
- Anger
- Guilt
- Exhaustion
- Numbness
- Not being able to read or focus
- Waves that come out of nowhere
There is no right way to grieve and no timeline. You don’t have to be “doing okay.” You just have to take the next small step, and coming here is one.
Who you’ll meet
Our chapter is for parents, grandparents and adult siblings after the death of a child at any age, from any cause. You’ll meet families whose children died before birth and as adults, suddenly or after a long illness. Some come alone and some come as couples. Men and women both share here.
Our circumstances are all different, and yet we understand each other without needing to explain.
What to expect, step by step
You arrive
Come to the Brandon Regional Library on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm. Meeting Room 1 is through the glass doors on your left as you enter. If you need to sit in the parking lot for a while first, that’s okay.
You’re welcomed
Debbie will come to you, and you’ll sit near her. You’ll receive a small gift, a bracelet and a hope rock to hold on to, and a simple card to fill out so we can stay in touch and remember your child. No newcomer is ever left on their own. We’ll have tissues, and a seat for you.
Running late? Just come in.
Work and traffic happen. It’s okay to arrive after we’ve started. Come right in, and someone will help you find a chair. Just making it here is more than enough.
We sit in a circle
We share our children’s names and as much or as little as we want. You don’t have to say a word. Many people only listen at their first meeting.
You leave knowing you’re not alone
Most parents tell us that just being in a room with others who understand helps more than they expected.
Can’t come in person? We also meet by Zoom on the third Thursday. Request the link.
Try three meetings
First meetings can feel heavy. Please give us three meetings before you decide. Each one is different, and many parents say the second or third is when it began to help.
You can just talk to someone.
You don’t need a reason to reach out, and you don’t need to know what to say. A parent who understands will listen for as long as you need. If you get voicemail, please leave a message. We will call you back, because you matter.
Getting through the holidays
The holidays can make the empty chair feel even emptier. Be gentle with yourself.
- It’s okay to change traditions, or to keep them.
- Set a place, light a candle, or say your child’s name at the table.
- Leave early when you need to. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
- Join us at our Candle Lighting on Sunday, December 13, 2026, and light a candle for your child alongside families around the world.
When you’re ready to read
We’ve gathered gentle articles for parents, grandparents and siblings, and for each kind of loss. Take only what helps.
I’m here for you. You’re not alone.
Debbie Rivera, Chapter Leader