One of a series of leaflets published by The Compassionate Friends The death of a child is the most devastating thing that can ever happen to a parent. We offer you our heartfelt condolences if you are experiencing this tragedy. This leaflet has been written by parents from The Compassionate Friends (TCF) who have also been bereaved of a child. We hope it is some help as you cope with the harrowing early time of your bereavement. The very early days “I keep shaking…” Our first reaction to the death of our child will probably be shock, even if their death was anticipated. We may burst into tears at any moment and in any place. Some of us find ourselves screaming out loud on occasion. We may feel hot or cold, or physically shake. Numbness is another common reaction in the first days. We may feel as though we are in a dream, not able to believe that our child has really gone. Feelings like this help to cushion us against the full impact of our loss. Gradually the reality and finality hit home. The strength of our emotions can make us wonder if we are losing control, even going mad. We are struggling on every level. “I can’t get what happened out of my head…” Our child constantly fills our thoughts. We may keep replaying their last moments or when we found out they had died. We might seem to hear their voice or see their familiar figure in the street. We still expect them The grief of the newly bereaved parent
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