When Your Child Has Died Abroad

UK Helpline: 0345 123 2304 | www.tcf.org.uk 17 Our life now and into the future Any unexpected death leaves unanswered questions in its wake, and our child dying in a foreign land may raise even more. Our pain may be intensified if we feel that the death was avoidable. We may believe that a person or organisation was to blame – a car driver, inattentive medical personnel, unsafe working practices, and so on. As time passes, similar incidents may appear again in the news, leaving us utterly frustrated that the circumstances that led to the death of our child have now led to further tragedies. On the other hand, we may blame ourselves, perhaps regretting ever letting our child out of our sight. This type of reaction is common. It can help if we can talk over our grief with other bereaved parents. The Compassionate Friends organises groups, both in person and digitally, where we can meet others bereaved in similar ways. (See the back page for details) As the months pass, we will try to pick up the threads of life. Things will never be the same again. Every bereaved parent has a difficult time adjusting to life without their child’s presence. The fact that our child died so far from home can make this struggle even harder. Those of us who have been through this would encourage you to believe that in time, the tragic circumstances will not seem quite as important as the good memories of your child’s life. The memories of their exciting adventures, their zest for life, and the love shared amongst your friends and family will bring you comfort. As we, bereaved parents, adjust to the absence of our children, we continue to carry them in our thoughts, with our love for them always in our hearts. Note information in this leaflet is correct at the time of publication (2021), to the best of our knowledge. There is an additional factsheet on Death Abroad which gives brief information on the legal processes. This is kept updated. It can be downloaded here: tcf.org.uk/deathoverseas .