for anyone finding Christmas more painful than comforting - please know this truth. You are not weak. You are not broken. You are not failing. You are a parent who loved deeply and continues to love still. Surviving this is not small.

The night Zach left us will remain etched in my memory forever.   It began with the dogs’ frantic barking at 2 a.m., waking me from a restless sleep. I opened the Velux window to see a police officer standing outside.   "Mrs. Whittall, it’s the police," he said softly but firmly.   In that moment, my heart broke into a thousand pieces. I didn’t need to hear the words; I already knew. This was about Zachary.

Grieving the loss of a child is an incredibly personal experience, but it’s also one that no one should have to face alone. Building a support system can provide a sense of connection, understanding, and compassion during this time of profound loss.

The loss of a child affects the entire family, and siblings often experience a unique and profound grief when they lose a brother or sister. Each sibling’s grief journey will be deeply personal, shaped by their age, personality, and relationship with their brother.

Grief can be incredibly hard to cope with, especially when it involves the loss of a child. This painful experience can leave one feeling alone and disoriented. When facing such deep heartache, art therapy shines as a source of comfort and understanding.