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Child Loss Grief Hope Losing a Child to Suicide On Wings of Hope Songs about Losing a Child

“My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope

A handwritten draft of lyrics for the lullaby 'My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care,' featuring a butterfly decoration, capturing a mother's heartfelt expression of grief and hope, My Forever Son, My Child Above in Heaven's Care: A Lullaby of Hope
Handwritten lyrics of the lullaby ‘My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care: A Lullaby of Hope,’ reflecting a mother’s love and grief, My Forever Son, “My Child Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope

“My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope

Summary

Beth Brown, author of “My Forever Son,” wrote “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope as a way to express her grief and hope after losing her son Dylan to suicide. The song, which began as a simple melody in Dylan’s room, evolved into a heartfelt expression of her love and longing for her son. Through her blog and music, Brown aims to connect with others who have experienced similar losses, offering solace and understanding.

Key Takeaways

  • Beth Brown wrote “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care: A Lullaby of Hope” to express her grief after losing her son Dylan to suicide.
  • The lullaby conveys both sorrow and hope, reflecting a mother’s longing for connection with her child in heaven.
  • Listeners can find the lullaby along with its lyrics on the My Forever Son blog, which focuses on healing music for child loss.
  • The melody is soothing, designed to comfort grieving parents while embodying the hope of reuniting with their lost children.
  • This lullaby serves as a source of solace for those who have experienced similar losses, intertwining personal grief with universal hope.

Introduction

If you’re seeking a “lullaby of hope” for a child in heaven, the song “My Child on Earth Above In Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope by Beth Brown is featured on her blog, My Forever Son, where she beautifully captures the essence of love that transcends earthly bounds. This touching melody serves not only as a soothing balm for grieving hearts but also as a heartfelt reminder that our child is always watching over us, wrapped in the warmth of our memories.

The lyrics, infused with tender sentiments, resonate with anyone who has experienced loss, making it a cherished piece for parents longing to connect with their beloved children in a profound and meaningful way. The storytelling is powerful, showcasing the impact of the lullaby and the memories of the author’s son. The integration of images adds a heartfelt dimension to the narrative.

  • “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care“: A Lullaby of Hope captures a mother’s grief and hopeful faith in reuniting with her son in heaven.
  • “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care” captures a mother’s grief and hopeful faith in reuniting with her son in heaven. The lyrics express the pain of loss while acknowledging the hope that God cares for the child until they are together again.

Here are some excerpts from the lyrics:

  • “As I tuck you in, I lay me down”.
  • “My child, my love, my heart, May God keep and hold you”.
  • “And I will always be your mother here, And I will speak your name for all to hear, God will be with you ’til I get there, My child on earth above, in heaven’s care”.

This lullaby, born from deep sorrow, provides not only comfort but also a profound sense of connection for those enduring the heart-wrenching loss of a child. In this blog post, the personal story behind the song is shared, highlighting how music serves as a powerful instrument for healing and nurturing hope amidst such profound grief. The melody of “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care” is crafted to be soothing, lullaby-like, and comforting, offering solace even as it carries the weight of its heartfelt sorrow.

The melody’s qualities include:

  • A lullaby-like, rocking rhythm: A gentle, rocking rhythm and a picked guitar pattern are likely used to soothe a child and comfort a grieving parent.
  • Melodic and gentle: The singer’s voice begins “barely above a whisper” with a “downward descent” in the first line “As I tuck you in, I lay me down”. This suggests a soft and gentle melody.
  • Emblematic of grief, yet expressing hope: Though the melody is linked to the mother’s grief, it also embodies the hope of a reunion with her child, and the belief that God cares for the child. 

The lullaby blends tenderness with the emotion of a parent grieving the loss of a child while holding onto faith and hope. The lullaby “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care” by Beth Brown has been recorded and can be heard online.

“My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope

My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care, All music & lyrics ©Beth Brown, My Forever Son, A Lullaby for My Son

Finding Solace in Music After Loss

You can find recordings, including instrumental versions, here: Finding Solace in Music After Loss which shares a heartfelt and poignant personal journey through the pain of losing a son to suicide. This narrative is beautifully blended with original music compositions and song lyrics that resonate with profound sorrow while gently illuminating the gradual journey toward healing and hope.

The author’s poignant original music compositions, heartfelt song lyrics, and deeply personal reflections create a raw and authentic narrative that invites readers into her experience. These songs express the profound impact of her loss, capturing the ongoing struggle to find solace and healing through the transformative power of music and writing. The site also provides the lyrics alongside the music. 

The storytelling is powerful, showcasing the impact of the lullaby and the memories of the author’s son. The integration of images adds a heartfelt dimension to the narrative.

My Forever Son

Beautiful Red Rose opening in full bloom, My Forever Son, My Child in Heaven's Care: A Lullaby of Hope

My Forever Son explores the profound grief, hope, and healing that follow the tragedy of losing a child to suicide.

My Forever Son dovetails the author’s journey of descending into deep grief, searching for hope, and finding healing along the way.

My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care, All music & lyrics ©Beth Brown, My Forever Son, A Lullaby of Hope

Table of Contents

Close-up of vibrant red roses blooming against green leaves, with soft focus on the background, complementing the themes of the lullaby 'My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care": A Lullaby of Hope by Beth Brown, My Forever Son
Beautiful red roses symbolize love and hope, complementing the themes of the lullaby ‘My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope by Beth Brown, My Forever Son

Song: “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care: A Lullaby of Hope”

“My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care,” All music & lyrics ©Beth Brown, My Forever Son, A Lullaby of Hope

Lyrics: “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”

Beautiful Red Rose opening in full bloom, My Forever Son, My Child in Heaven's Care: A Lullaby of Hope
My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care 

As I tuck you in, I lay me down
As I hold you now, I lift my arms
As I fall asleep, I pray for you
My child, my love, my heart, I’m with you too
My child, my love, my heart, may God keep and love you

And you will be forevermore
Safe from this world and so adored
And God will be your comforter
And I will always thank God for rescuing you
And I will always praise God for loving you too

And so I live my life in memory
Surrendering to God, what now must be
But here on earth I know the angels sing
When I hear your voice I know God’s listening

And I will always be your mother here
And I will speak your name for all to hear
And God will be with you 'til I get there
My child on earth above in heaven's care.

And I will speak your name for all to hear 
And God will be with you 'til I get there 
My child on earth above in heaven's care
My child on earth above in heaven's care.


All Music & Lyrics: ©Beth Brown, 2021 "My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care"
An acoustic guitar resting on a bed with soft bedding, illuminated by warm sunlight filtering through a window, casting shadows on the wall, 'My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care": A Lullaby of Hope, My Forever Son.
An acoustic guitar resting on a bed, illuminated by warm, soft light casting shadows on the wall, symbolizing the heartfelt emotions connected to the lullaby ‘My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope, My Forever Son.

Lullaby, “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care,” from My Son’s Darkened Room

I sat in his darkened room lighted only by a candle, cradling my acoustic guitar, rocking gently back and forth. Almost as if I were holding a baby. My baby. Through all the years. Each year of his life. Each year of his love.

Writing My Way Through Grief with a Lullaby of Hope

With tears cascading down my cheeks and my voice barely a whisper, I started to sing, “As I tuck you in, I lay me down.”

Repeating the lines endlessly, I rocked and cradled my acoustic guitar as I once did with my son. My voice gently descended, melodic and soothing, looping back over and over again like a lullaby:

My voice gently descended, melodic and soothing, looping back over and over again like a lullaby:

As I tuck you in, I lay me down. 
As I hold you now, I lift my arms
As I fall to sleep, I pray for you. 
My child, my love, my heart, I'm with you too. 
My child, my love, my heart, May God keep and hold you.

©Beth Brown, "My Child On Earth Above in Heaven's Care": A Lullaby of Hope
A close-up of a vibrant red rosebud surrounded by green leaves, symbolizing love and remembrance amidst greenery, My Forever Son, "My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care": A Lullaby of Hope
A single vibrant red rose, symbolizing love and remembrance amidst greenery, My Forever Son, “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope

“As I Tuck You In”: Still Mothering My Son

As I scribbled down the lyrics, I titled the melodic song “As I Tuck You In” because the music has the feel and rhythm of a lullaby. Only after I had finished writing all the lyrics and music would I call this lullaby, “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care.”

Hope Comes in Seeing My Son Again

Everything about this lullaby comes from the depths of my sorrow of losing my 20-year-old son Dylan, my only child, to suicide.

The hope in this song comes from believing I will see my son again some day.

A vibrant display of purple flowers blooming abundantly, surrounded by lush green foliage, creating a serene and peaceful garden scene, My Forever Son, My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care: A Lullaby of Hope
A serene floral scene depicting vibrant purple flowers in a garden, symbolizing beauty and the healing power of nature, My Forever Son,” My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope

Healing Through Poetry: Coping with the Loss of a Child to Suicide

A close-up photograph of vibrant red roses blooming among green leaves, set against a blurred background of lush foliage, symbolizing love and remembrance, "My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care,": A Lullaby of Hope, My Forever Son
A vibrant close-up of blooming red roses, symbolizing love and remembrance, “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care,”: A Lullaby of Hope, My Forever Son

Saying Good Night to My Son in a Lullaby: A Heartfelt Farewell

In saying good night to my son, I was really saying goodbye to him, a bittersweet moment that filled my heart with a mix of emotions. And so what began as my strumming my guitar and softly singing “As I tuck you in, I lay me down” gradually evolved into the fully-fledged lullaby, “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care.”

With each note resonating in the stillness of the night, I poured all my love and hopes into the song, enveloping him in a cocoon of comfort and serenity. I imagined him drifting off into a dream world, where every whisper of the melody would keep him safe and sound. This moment was not just a ritual; it was my way of connecting with him on a deeper level, cherishing the bond we shared, while also serenading the memories we had created together.

A song with a gentle rhythm and a picked pattern meant to soothe a child, the song soothed me as I grieved the unimaginable loss of my beloved son Dylan. This lullaby, rich with comforting melody and rhythm, became my refuge in the storm of my sorrow, wrapping around me during the darkest moments.

Even as I rocked back and forth, desperately trying to find solace, the familiar strains of the lullaby resonated deeply within me, becoming emblematic not only for my grief but also for the love I still hold for my son. The notes seemed to carry his spirit, reminding me of the sweet moments we shared, and each repetition stirred bittersweet memories that intertwined comfort and pain in a dance of longing and remembrance.

A Lullaby of Hope: A Salve for My Aching Heart

A Lullaby of Hope. A Salve for My Aching Heart. “My Child on Earth Above In Heaven’s Care” began in deep grief, then moved towards hope as the lullaby progressed, capturing the profound journey of a parent’s sorrow transformed into gentle reassurance. As the soothing melody unfolded, each note painted vivid pictures of loving memories, laced with the pain of loss that will always carry my love for my son. 

As I tuck you in, I lay me down
As I hold you now, I lift my arms
As I fall to sleep, I pray for you
My child, my love, my heart, I’m with you too.

“My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care,”  All music and lyrics by ©2025, Beth Brown

Dylan: My Forever Son

A black and white photograph of a smiling baby crawling up a set of stairs, wearing a hat and a tank top, capturing a moment of innocent joy, My Forever Son, "My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care": A Lullaby of Hope
A nostalgic black-and-white photograph of a baby playfully climbing stairs, capturing a moment of innocent joy, My Forever Son, “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope

My “Child on Earth” Story:

I lost my 20-year-old son Dylan, my only child, to suicide on June 25, 2012. He was a sophomore in college, full of promise and potential, and his absence has left a gaping void in my life that is impossible to fill.

So why did I write a lullaby? Perhaps because I was at that point in early grief where all of me collapsed inward, reclusive and withdrawn from the world-at-large, grappling with an unfathomable loss that felt like a nightmare from which I could never awaken. The melodies flowed from my heart, a desperate attempt to connect with memories of his laughter and to soothe the longing that had taken over my existence.

Writing became my refuge, a way to express the profound sorrow and longing that consumed me. Without my son, my world collapsed inward. I felt disconnected and in so many ways, felt a sense of the surreal in all of my life those first few years of early grief. Nothing made sense. I didn’t understand how the world could just keep on moving. My world stopped spinning.

I sat in a darkened room lighted only by a candle, cradling my acoustic guitar, rocking gently back and forth. Almost as if I were holding a baby. My baby. Through all the years. Each year of his life. Each year of his love.

A young man with medium-length hair sits in a living room, wearing a black hoodie and a graphic t-shirt, looking slightly off-camera, capturing the essence of youthful spirit and self-expression, "My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care": A Lullaby of Hope, My Forever Son
A candid moment capturing the essence of youthful spirit and self-expression, “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope, My Forever Son

From the Depths of Grief to Hope: “My Child Above in Heaven’s Care”

I could barely speak, let alone sing. My words, my voice, more a whisper than a vocal inflection where singing meant inhaling deeply and opening my throat. I could barely breathe, barely manage to speak at all. I wept and quivered in acute grief. And rocked back and forth, back and forth.

And so from the depths of that grief comes hope in a lullaby–hope that I will see Dylan again, faith that God will keep him safe until I get to wherever my son is too.

A figurine of a boy with blonde hair and green striped shirt sitting on a wooden surface, smiling while interacting with a yellow piano and a small bust of Beethoven on it, capturing the essence of childhood memories and musical beginnings, My Forever Son, "My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care": A Lullaby of Hope
A nostalgic figure of Schroeder playing the piano, capturing the essence of childhood memories and musical beginnings, My Forever Son, “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope

Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son

I remember when Dylan was 8 years old, just beginning piano lessons, and I used to drive him to a local university to take lessons in their music conservatory. Each week, without fail, we would make the same trip to the university for the next 6 years, watching how both his skills and his passion for music blossomed over time.

I loved hearing Dylan practice. The sound of the music filled our home, and it was a joy for me to step into the kitchen to prepare dinner, where the lively notes would waft up from the lower level of our house. A plastic figurine of Schroeder playing piano, donned with a plastic bust of Beethoven from “Charlie Brown,” always sat serenely on top of the upright Schuerman piano. It served as a symbol of the delightful blend of childhood whimsy and serious musical pursuit.

Scott Joplin’s ragtime, with its playful, vibrant melodies, would often spill into the air, alongside Snoopy’s happy dance song and classical pieces that Dylan tackled with tenacity. As time went on, our home echoed with the sounds of jazz, influenced by the genius of Thelonious Monk. Each note resonated with memories of laughter and learning, and those evenings filled with music became a cherished part of my life. Wonderful memories. Wonderful years.

Dylan began composing music too, though mostly unbeknownst to me. Those were his teenage years, a time of exploration and growth when his circle of friends became both a support system and an influence on his creativity. I often felt as if those friends knew more about his inner world than I did, a bittersweet realization for a parent. As he penned his compositions, I could only imagine the thoughts and emotions he poured into those melodies, allowing him to express himself in ways that words sometimes failed to capture. During those transformative years, it was fascinating to witness his journey, even if from a bit of a distance, as his music gradually reflected deeper layers of his personality and experiences.

Still I hear his music. Still I hear his laughter. Still I miss my son.

Meet Dylan, My Forever Son

A young man with long hair, wearing a black 'Ibanez' graphic t-shirt, sitting on a staircase and smiling, My Forever Son, Twenty Years of Love: Dylan
A joyful moment captured of Dylan, radiating happiness while seated outdoors, My Forever Son, Twenty Years of Love: Dylan

Twenty Years of Love: Dylan

“Twenty Years of Love: Dylan” offers a poignant exploration of grief and loss, weaving together cherished memories and reflections on Dylan’s life. The emotional resonance of this piece is deeply felt, beautifully portraying both the love and sorrow that the author carries in their heart. The thoughtful inclusion of links to further readings about Dylan and resources for support is a compassionate touch that adds immense value to those who may be navigating similar journeys.

A pathway lined with greenery and scattered fallen leaves, creating a tranquil and reflective atmosphere, symbolizing the journey of grief and remembrance, Walking through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide, My Forever Son
A serene pathway lined with fallen leaves, symbolizing the journey of grief and remembrance, Walking through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide, My Forever Son

Walking Through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide

Walking through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide offers a deeply moving and heartfelt narrative that illuminates the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide. The personal stories shared create a sincere and unfiltered glimpse into the heavy journey of grief and the gradual path toward healing. Through poignant reflections and a poetic exploration on grief, the author navigates the chaotic emotions that accompany such a catastrophic event, revealing both the struggles and the moments of unexpected solace that can emerge even in the darkest times.

A close-up image of a lion statue sitting on a stone surface, surrounded by red fallen leaves, symbolizing strength and remembrance in the context of cherished memories, I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son
A serene lion statue surrounded by fallen leaves, symbolizing strength and remembrance in the context of cherished memories, My Forever Son, I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son

I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son

I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son lovingly encapsulates the profound heartache and cherished memories tied to the author’s beloved son, Dylan. Through heartfelt imagery and poignant personal stories, it invites readers to share in an emotional journey that resonates deeply, fostering a compassionate understanding of loss and love.

Vibrant deep-red autumn leaves showcasing shades of red and green, symbolizing the beauty of change and memory, My Forever Son
Vibrant autumn leaves showcasing shades of red and green, symbolizing the beauty of change and memory, My Forever Son, I Want to Believe: Searching for Hope After Losing My Son to Suicide

I Want to Believe: Searching for Hope After Losing My Son to Suicide

I Want to Believe: Searching for Hope After Losing My Son to Suicide is a heartfelt collection of personal reflections and cherished memories that navigates the profound journey of grief and hope following the heartbreaking loss of a son to suicide. The rawness of the emotions is deeply felt, drawing readers into a shared space of empathy. Through vivid descriptions and nostalgic elements, the work evokes a sense of connection and understanding, while the stunning images inspire hope and healing amidst the sorrow.

A black and white photo of a woman, a mother, sitting on the floor, tenderly holding and smiling at a young child dressed in striped overalls. A birthday cake with a candle sits in front of them, decorated with the name 'Dylan', My Forever Son, Dylan: Forever Loved and Remembered
A tender moment between a mother and her joyful child, celebrating cherished memories of Dylan’s early years, My Forever Son, Dylan: Forever Loved and Remembered in Our Hearts

Dylan: Forever Loved and Remembered in Our Hearts

Dylan: Forever Loved and Remembered in Our Hearts invites readers into the heart/h-wrenching yet beautifully profound journey of a mother’s grief after the devastating loss of her beloved 20-year-old son, Dylan, who tragically died by suicide. Through a heartfelt collection of original poems and personal reflections, she courageously shares the painful complexities of her sorrow, the small moments of hope that emerged, and her ongoing path toward healing.

Meet the Author, Beth Brown

A smiling woman with long brown hair partially covering her face, wearing a green sweater, sitting in a cozy setting, Author Beth Brown, sharing her journey of healing and love after loss, My Forever Son: Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide
Author Beth Brown, sharing her journey of healing and love after loss, My Forever Son: Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide

Getting to Know the Heart Behind the Words

A Heart Unbroken: The Journey of Healing

Thirteen years ago, a heart-wrenching tragedy shattered the life of a mother when she lost her only son, Dylan, to suicide. I am that mother, and my beloved son had just turned 20 years old.

I loved my son fiercely, but love was not enough to save Dylan from his struggles with depression.

On an academic scholarship at a prestigious university, Dylan had continued his studies in art and music, choosing to major in Digital Media. I loved my son fiercely, but love was not enough to save Dylan from his struggles with depression.

Weeping Even in My Sleep

  • Grief exhausted all of me. Who I was went away, or at least lived suspended from the depths of what seemed bottomless grief. In early grief (for me the first three years after losing Dylan), my life felt impossible.
  • Tears everywhere. Weeping even in my sleep. Unable to function in my professional life, I found everything in my life had changed. I couldn’t meet the challenges of everyday life. I was consumed with grief and mourning.
  • I knew nothing about suicide, only what I’d read about or what I’d seen in movies. I began to search for books and resources. I knew I needed support; I just didn’t know where to turn.

My Sanctuary and Saving Grace

  • I began blogging in 2015. My sanctuary and saving grace, writing/blogging was a place where pain and love could coexist. Little did I know that as grief settled in for the long haul, my pain and love will always coexist for my son.
  • I carry both ache and love, for they both are my love for my son. The pages of my blog were extended journal entries, filled with original poems, songs, and narratives from that deepest place of ache and love, my grief and my healing.
  • Before losing my son, I had thrived as a writing and literature teacher, inspiring students with the power of words and the strength of their voice. Now my own story was unfolding, filled with sorrow and strength, ache and love.

Discovering My Voice Once More

  • Through my writing, I discovered my voice once more; although irrevocably transformed by the profound loss I experienced, my words captured the gradual journey of learning to navigate life with both grief and love.
  • As the seasons changed, so did I, embracing healing in its many forms, writing poems, songs, reflections, stories, and articles.
  • Though the pain of losing Dylan remained, I learned to celebrate his life through memories and stories told. I found joy in small things—a warm cup of tea, the rustle of leaves, a good book—each moment a reminder of the love that still lived within me.

I found joy in small things—a warm cup of tea, the rustle of leaves, a good book—each moment a reminder of the love that still lived within me.

  • And so I continue to write, to heal, and to love—my heart unbroken, forever carrying my son with me in this wilderness of life.

Bury My Heart: 19 Poems for Grief and Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide

I’ve created a poignant collection of poems, Bury My Heart: 19 Poems for Grief and Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide, that explores the profound journey of healing after the heartbreaking loss of a child to suicide. This collection is now available on Amazon Kindle, offering heartfelt comfort and solace for those navigating their grief.

Bury My Heart: 19 Poems for Grief and Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide
Link to Book

The Story of My Forever Son

A vibrant red rose in full bloom surrounded by green leaves, symbolizing beauty and remembrance, My Forever Son, The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother's Grief
A vibrant red rose blooming amidst green leaves, symbolizing love and remembrance, My Forever Son, What Happened? The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief

What Happened? The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief

I started this blog, My Forever Son: Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide in 2015, three years into my journey of grief. You can read more about what happened here: The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief recounts the author’s harrowing experience of losing her son to suicide. Her story highlights her grief, guilt, and the healing power of writing, especially through works like the “If Earth Were Sky (And Sky Above)” poem: reflections on love and loss. The blog “My Forever Son” came about as a way for the author to work through this devastating grief that follows the loss of a child to suicide. My Forever Son blog serves as a platform for sharing experiences and finding healing and solace in community.

A close-up of peach-colored flowers surrounded by vibrant green leaves, showcasing nature's beauty.
Delicate coral flowers surrounded by lush green leaves, symbolizing the beauty and resilience of nature amidst grief, My Forever Son, Find Hope Here: Poetic Reflections on Grief and Healing

Find Hope Here: Poetic Reflections on Grief and Healing

Find Hope Here: Poetic Reflections on Grief and Healing offers a heartfelt collection of poems that deeply resonate with the profound sorrow of parents who have experienced the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide. These poignant verses navigate the intense emotions of this tragic loss, beautifully capturing the stages of grief while gently guiding readers towards hope and healing on their journey through grief.

A large magnolia tree in full bloom with pink flowers, surrounded by a grassy area covered in fallen petals, A majestic magnolia tree in full bloom, , My Forever Son, The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience,
A majestic magnolia tree in full bloom, symbolizing resilience and beauty amidst grief, The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience, My Forever Son

The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience

The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience, explores the author’s journey of grief through the metaphor of a Magnolia tree’s cyclical seasons. The author uses photography to illustrate the parallels between nature’s cycles and the seasons of grief, finding hope and healing in writing, gardening, and nature’s resilience. The Magnolia tree’s resilience symbolizes renewal and the possibility of finding joy again despite profound heartbreak. After reflections on nature’s resilience, the author reflects on grief and healing (echoes of joy and shadows of loss) after losing her son to suicide.

Close-up portrait of a woman with short hair, looking contemplative and introspective, with soft lighting highlighting her facial features capturing the depth of emotion and resilience in the journey of grief and healing, Navigating Grief After Losing a Child to Suicide: Essential Resources, My Forever Son
A reflective moment capturing the depth of emotion and resilience in the journey of grief and healing, Navigating Grief After Losing a Child to Suicide: Essential Resources, My Forever Son

Navigating Grief After Losing a Child to Suicide: Essential Resources

Navigating Grief After Losing a Child to Suicide: Essential Resources offers an extensive collection of resources aimed at helping parents understand the complexities of suicide to help with their profound grief. This invaluable guide not only provides insights but also connects parents with supportive communities, fostering a sense of belonging and emphasizing gentle pathways to hope and healing during such a heartbreaking time.

A woman with a pained expression rests her head in her hands, conveying deep emotional distress capturing the profound emotions associated with loss and healing, Navigating Guilt in Grief: A Parent's Guide, My Forever Son
A woman reflecting on her grief, capturing the profound emotions associated with loss and healing, Navigating Guilt in Grief: A Parent’s Guide, My Forever Son

Navigating Guilt in Grief: A Parent’s Guide

Navigating Guilt in Grief: A Parent’s Guide offers a gentle and understanding perspective on the complex emotions that emerge after the devastating loss of a loved one through suicide, particularly from the vantage point of parents.This guide thoughtfully addresses the overwhelming and often contradictory feelings of grief, guilt, and sorrow that can envelop parents navigating such profound heartache.

A close-up of a blooming orange rose, surrounded by green leaves, with water droplets on the petals, symbolizing love and remembrance, Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide: A Guide for Parents, My Forever Son
A delicate orange rose embodying beauty and resilience, symbolizing love and remembrance, Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide: A Guide for Parents, My Forever Son

Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide: A Guide for Parents

Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide: A Guide for Parents gently supports parents navigating the profound sorrow of losing a child to suicide. This heartfelt article acknowledges the intense grief that such a tragedy brings and offers compassionate guidance on finding a way forward. The healing strategies shared emphasize self-care and the importance of seeking professional help, while inviting parents to connect with others who understand their pain.

Close-up of coral pink flowers with delicate petals and green leaves, showcasing nature's beauty, symbolizing love and remembrance, Carrying Ache and Love: Healing Longterm Grief in Suicide Loss, My Forever Son
A vibrant display of peach-colored flowers, symbolizing love and remembrance, Carrying Ache and Love: Healing Longterm Grief in Suicide Loss, My Forever Son

Carrying Ache and Love: Healing Longterm Grief in Suicide Loss

I have shared my grief journey on this blog, My Forever Son, reflecting on those painful early years and sharing glimmers of hope along the way. Through sleepless nights and tears, I found that my deep love for my son sustains me through his absence.

Carrying both ache and love after losing my son to suicide has been the crux of my grief journey these past 12 years. I share insights into healing from deep grief in the article, Carrying Ache and Love: Healing Longterm Grief in Suicide Loss, where ache for his absence and love for my son walk together in my heart. Holding hands, one is never without the other, but ache and love have carried me—and carry me still. 

Scenic view of a river flowing through a forested area with mountains in the background, under a clear blue sky, symbolizing peace and reflection in the journey of grief, When Love Isn't Enough:
A serene landscape featuring a calm river surrounded by lush green trees and majestic mountains, symbolizing peace and reflection in the journey of grief, When Love Isn’t Enough: “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand,” My Forever Son

When Love Isn’t Enough: “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand”

When Love Isn’t Enough: “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand,”explores the complexities of suicide and includes a compassionate treatise written by the author, “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand,” challenging the notion that it is a choice. The treatise, “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand,” emphasizes the inevitability of death, regardless of the cause, and the limitations of love in preventing it. The author of the treatise “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand” and this article, “When Love Isn’t Enough,” Beth Brown shares her personal journey of grief after losing her son to suicide, finding solace in writing and nature photography.

Meet Dylan, My Forever Son

A young man with long hair, wearing a black 'Ibanez' graphic t-shirt, sitting on a staircase and smiling, My Forever Son, Twenty Years of Love: Dylan
A joyful moment captured of Dylan, radiating happiness while seated outdoors, My Forever Son, Twenty Years of Love: Dylan

Twenty Years of Love: Dylan

“Twenty Years of Love: Dylan” offers a poignant exploration of grief and loss, weaving together cherished memories and reflections on Dylan’s life. The emotional resonance of this piece is deeply felt, beautifully portraying both the love and sorrow that the author carries in their heart. The thoughtful inclusion of links to further readings about Dylan and resources for support is a compassionate touch that adds immense value to those who may be navigating similar journeys.

A pathway lined with greenery and scattered fallen leaves, creating a tranquil and reflective atmosphere, symbolizing the journey of grief and remembrance, Walking through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide, My Forever Son
A serene pathway lined with fallen leaves, symbolizing the journey of grief and remembrance, Walking through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide, My Forever Son

Walking Through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide

Walking through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide offers a deeply moving and heartfelt narrative that illuminates the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide. The personal stories shared create a sincere and unfiltered glimpse into the heavy journey of grief and the gradual path toward healing. Through poignant reflections and a poetic exploration on grief, the author navigates the chaotic emotions that accompany such a catastrophic event, revealing both the struggles and the moments of unexpected solace that can emerge even in the darkest times.

A close-up image of a lion statue sitting on a stone surface, surrounded by red fallen leaves, symbolizing strength and remembrance in the context of cherished memories, I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son
A serene lion statue surrounded by fallen leaves, symbolizing strength and remembrance in the context of cherished memories, My Forever Son, I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son

I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son

I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son lovingly encapsulates the profound heartache and cherished memories tied to the author’s beloved son, Dylan. Through heartfelt imagery and poignant personal stories, it invites readers to share in an emotional journey that resonates deeply, fostering a compassionate understanding of loss and love.

Vibrant deep-red autumn leaves showcasing shades of red and green, symbolizing the beauty of change and memory, My Forever Son
Vibrant autumn leaves showcasing shades of red and green, symbolizing the beauty of change and memory, My Forever Son, I Want to Believe: Searching for Hope After Losing My Son to Suicide

I Want to Believe: Searching for Hope After Losing My Son to Suicide

I Want to Believe: Searching for Hope After Losing My Son to Suicide is a heartfelt collection of personal reflections and cherished memories that navigates the profound journey of grief and hope following the heartbreaking loss of a son to suicide. The rawness of the emotions is deeply felt, drawing readers into a shared space of empathy. Through vivid descriptions and nostalgic elements, the work evokes a sense of connection and understanding, while the stunning images inspire hope and healing amidst the sorrow.

A black and white photo of a woman, a mother, sitting on the floor, tenderly holding and smiling at a young child dressed in striped overalls. A birthday cake with a candle sits in front of them, decorated with the name 'Dylan', My Forever Son, Dylan: Forever Loved and Remembered
A tender moment between a mother and her joyful child, celebrating cherished memories of Dylan’s early years, My Forever Son, Dylan: Forever Loved and Remembered in Our Hearts

Dylan: Forever Loved and Remembered in Our Hearts

Dylan: Forever Loved and Remembered in Our Hearts invites readers into the heart/h-wrenching yet beautifully profound journey of a mother’s grief after the devastating loss of her beloved 20-year-old son, Dylan, who tragically died by suicide. Through a heartfelt collection of original poems and personal reflections, she courageously shares the painful complexities of her sorrow, the small moments of hope that emerged, and her ongoing path toward healing.

Heartfelt Stories and Poems of Love and Loss

A single red rose resting on a bed of white flowers, symbolizing love and remembrance, symbolizing love and remembrance, “On Baby’s Breath and Angel Wings” Poem: Grieving a Child’s Suicide
A vibrant red rose resting on delicate white flowers of Baby’s Breath, symbolizing love and remembrance, “On Baby’s Breath and Angel Wings” Poem: Grieving a Child’s Suicide

“On Baby’s Breath and Angel Wings” Poem: Grieving a Child’s Suicide

“On Baby’s Breath and Angel Wings” Poem: Grieving a Child’s Suicide delves into the deep, heart-wrenching sorrow of losing a child to suicide. This poignant piece not only articulates the immense pain of such a loss but also provides vital resources to navigate the challenging journey of grief. With tender personal reflections and thoughtful coping strategies, the post and poem, “On Baby’s Breath and Angel Wings” serves as a compassionate companion for those who are enduring similar heartaches. 

A family gathering at a beautifully set table, featuring candles and a vase of pink roses, reflecting moments of love, loss, and healing, My Forever Son, A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table

A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table

A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table chronicles a family’s journey through the loss of their beloved son, Dylan. This tragedy alters their connections, turning a joyful gathering space into one of reflection. The narrative captures the struggle between despair and acceptance, underscoring love’s enduring power amidst heartache. In honoring Dylan’s memory, they find unexpected joy in their grief, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss.

A close-up of a golden puppy with soft fur and expressive eyes, sitting on a bed of pine needles, wearing a blue collar and leash, Grandparents' Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide
A fluffy puppy sitting outdoors, embodying innocence and companionship, My Forever Son, Grandparents’ Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide

Grandparents’ Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide

Grandparents’ Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide gently delves into the profound and heart-wrenching sorrow experienced by grandparents who endure the unimaginable loss of their grandchild. This painful journey envelops them in a dual mourning, as they grieve not only the precious life that is gone but also the shattered dreams and cherished memories that will sorrowfully remain unrealized for their own child, the grieving parent.

A mother sitting beside her son in a hospital bed, expressing concern and sadness as he sleeps, and embodying the pain and hope intertwined with the journey of healing and survival, My Forever Son
A mother watches over her son in a hospital bed, embodying the pain and hope intertwined with the journey of healing and survival, My Forever Son, Memorial Day: A Mother’s Reflection on Loss, Love, and Unbearable Tragedy

Memorial Day: A Mother’s Reflection on Loss, Love, and Unbearable Tragedy

Memorial Day: A Mother’s Reflection on Loss, Love, and Unbearable Tragedy beautifully captures the deep sorrow and unwavering love a mother feels for her son. The author bravely shares her heartfelt journey, navigating the immense pain and heartbreak tied to her son’s fourth suicide attempt on Memorial Day. Through her poignant narrative, she reveals the complex layers of a mother’s grief, intricately woven with fleeting moments of hope that resonate powerfully with anyone who is facing loss.

Close-up of a soft white peony flower with delicate pink accents, symbolizing beauty and remembrance, My Forever Son, “Shaped by Love and This Grief Come to Stay" A Poem on Suicide Loss
A close-up of a delicate white flower with soft pink accents, symbolizing beauty and remembrance, My Forever Son, “Shaped by Love and This Grief Come to Stay” A Poem on Suicide Loss

“Shaped by Love and This Grief Come to Stay”: A Poem on Suicide Loss

“Shaped by Love and This Grief Come to Stay” A Poem on Suicide Loss explores the profound sorrow a parent endures after losing a child to suicide. It addresses themes of grief and guilt, highlighting the heavy shadow such a tragedy casts on life. This poignant narrative captures a parent’s transformative journey in the wake of their child’s absence, revealing emotions of shame while confronting societal stigma surrounding suicide. With compassion and insight, the poem resonates with anyone who has faced similar heart-wrenching experiences.

A vibrant yellow rose symbolizing love and remembrance, My Forever Son, 11 Years After Suicide Loss: I Still Want to Believe
A vibrant yellow rose symbolizing love and remembrance, My Forever Son, 11 Years After Suicide Loss: I Still Want to Believe

11 Years After Suicide Loss: I Still Want to Believe

11 Years After Suicide Loss: I Still Want to Believe powerfully conveys the depths of my unyielding grief and a relentless yearning for my beloved son, Dylan, whose vibrant spirit was tragically stolen by suicide eleven heart-wrenching years ago at merely twenty. As my only child, his absence has carved an immense void in my soul, reshaping every facet of my life while perpetually stirring the cherished memories of the beautiful moments we once savored together.

Key Resources for Understanding Suicide

Compassionate Guidance for Navigating Loss

These key resources for understanding suicide and coping with grief provide compassionate guidance for readers as they navigate the challenging landscape of loss. In particular, the “Rain Comes to Heal Us All” Poem: Finding Hope After Loss, offers solace and a new perspective. The journey of coping often means confronting feelings of stigma, guilt, and isolation, intermixed with a complex array of emotions, ranging from anger to relief.

Research compassionately underscores that suicide is not a conscious choice, emphasizing the importance of a non-judgmental approach to emotional healing. Engaging with support groups and educational materials can be a source of empowerment for survivors, nurturing community connections and facilitating a path toward healing and hope.

Included are the author’s personal story of losing her child, resources for emotional support, professional insights on suicide’s complexities, discussions on the duration of grief, and a selection of helpful resources for bereaved parents.

A stack of books related to grief and suicide, featuring titles like 'The Worst Loss' and 'Suicide: Survivors'. A coffee mug is partially visible in the foreground, with green plants in the background, Support for Parents Grieving a Child’s Suicide, My Forever Son
A selection of supportive literature addressing the grief and healing process for parents after losing a child to suicide, Healing After Suicide: Essential Books for Parents My Forever Son

Healing After Suicide: Essential Books for Parents

Healing After Suicide: Essential Books for Parents is a comprehensive resource for parents grieving the loss of a child to suicide. The book offers a curated list of books, including practical guides, narratives, poetry, and novels, providing support and understanding for those navigating grief. The author, Beth Brown, shares her personal journey of loss and healing, emphasizing the importance of support groups and educational materials in the grieving process.

Close-up of a yellow orchid flower next to a rain-covered window, with a view of a wet landscape outside, symbolizing growth and reflection amidst sorrow, Understanding Suicide: It's Not a Choice, My Forever Son
A serene view from a window featuring a blooming orchid and a rainy landscape outside, symbolizing growth and reflection amidst sorrow, Understanding Suicide: It’s Not a Choice, My Forever Son

Understanding Suicide: It’s Not a Choice

Understanding Suicide: It’s Not a Choice presents a heartfelt exploration of the complex and deeply emotional subject of suicide. The piece invites readers to reflect on the harrowing question of whether suicide can truly be seen as a choice. Insights from Dr. John Ackerman, a prominent suicide epidemiologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, shed light on this critical issue.

Dr. Ackerman emphasizes the often-overlooked factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts, stating, “We often underestimate the multitude of factors that impact such a complex and irreversible outcome as suicide. Individuals grappling with the profound emotional turmoil that gives rise to suicidal thoughts typically do not wish to end their lives; they are, instead, yearning for relief from the immense pain often exacerbated by the absence of supportive resources and understanding.”

This poignant examination not only raises awareness but also fosters empathy and understanding, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to support loved ones in need.

Close-up of a vibrant yellow flower with intricate petals and green foliage in the background, symbolizing hope and healing in the context of grief and loss, Healing After Suicide Loss: Essential Resources and Support, My Forever Son
A vibrant yellow flower surrounded by green leaves, symbolizing hope and healing in the context of grief and loss, Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide, Support, Resources, and Self-Care for Bereaved Parents, My Forever Son

Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide: Support, Resources, and Self-Care for Bereaved Parents

Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide, Support, Resources, and Self-Care for Bereaved Parents offers a comprehensive list of resources and support for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. It includes personal insights, professional perspectives, and a curated selection of books and support groups. The author, Beth Brown, shares her own experience of losing her son to suicide and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and understanding.

Close-up of red and green leaves, showcasing the vibrant autumn colors in nature.
A vivid display of red leaves intertwined with green foliage, symbolizing the journey of grief and healing, Surviving Suicide Grief: Does the Pain Ever End?, My Forever Son

Surviving Suicide Grief: Does the Pain Ever End?

Surviving Suicide Grief: Does the Pain Ever End? offers a compassionate look at and attempts to response to one of the most profound challenges of longterm grief after suicide loss: Does the pain of losing a child to suicide is profound and never fully goes away, but it does change and become a part of one’s life. Finding support through counseling, support groups, and connecting with others who have experienced similar losses is crucial for healing. Grief is a journey with seasons that come and go, and it is possible to learn to live with the pain while honoring the love for the lost child.

To those of you that still feel you aren’t even sure you want to be here and you can’t imagine ever being happy again. The pain does change, it softens. You will want to live again and be able to enjoy life again. It will never be like before but the crushing, all consuming pain you feel right now will soften. You will be able to live with it. It just becomes part of you.

A parent who lost their child to suicide

Close-up of autumn leaves with vibrant orange, yellow, and green colors, showcasing the natural beauty of seasonal change, symbolizing the seasonal shift and the beauty of change, Understanding the Pain of Suicide Loss: “When Someone is Too Bruised to Be Touched”, My Forever Son
A close-up of vibrant autumn leaves showcasing a blend of orange, yellow, and red hues, symbolizing the seasonal shift and the beauty of change, Understanding the Pain of Suicide Loss: “When Someone is Too Bruised to Be Touched”, My Forever Son

Understanding the Pain of Suicide Loss: “When Someone is Too Bruised to Be Touched”

Understanding the Pain of Suicide Loss: “When Someone is Too Bruised to Be Touched” features Ronald Rolheiser’s writings on suicide which offer a compassionate and spiritual perspective, emphasizing that suicide is often a tragic consequence of mental illness, not a voluntary act. He encourages loved ones to release guilt and second-guessing, understanding that they are not responsible for the person’s death. Rolheiser also highlights the importance of remembering the deceased’s life beyond their suicide, trusting in God’s infinite love and understanding.

A young person with long hair, wearing a denim jacket over a red shirt, looking pensively towards the ground, with a blurred background of trees and buildings, Understanding Suicide: Why the Pain Matters, My Forever Son
A young person reflecting in a somber environment, embodying the emotional complexities of grief and understanding related to suicide, Understanding Suicide: Why the Pain Matters

Understanding Suicide: Why the Pain Matters

Understanding Suicide: Why the Pain Matters explores the pain and grief surrounding suicide, emphasizing that it is not a conscious choice but a desperate attempt to escape unbearable suffering. The article highlights current research, personal stories, and compassionate support for those struggling with depression and mental health, aiming to break the stigma surrounding suicide. It provides resources and insights into the complexities of grief and the journey towards healing.

A contemplative young woman with long hair, resting her chin on her hands, illuminated by soft light and shadows, reflecting the complexities of grief and loss discussed in the article on coping with a child's suicide, The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief, My Forever Son
A contemplative young woman expresses deep emotions, reflecting the complexities of grief and loss discussed in the article on coping with a child’s suicide, The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief, My Forever Son

The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief

The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief, recounts the author’s harrowing experience of losing her son to suicide. Her story highlights her grief, guilt, and the healing power of writing. The blog “My Forever Son” came about as a way for the author to work through this devastating grief that follows the loss of a child to suicide. My Forever Son blog serves as a platform for sharing experiences and finding healing and solace in community.

Remembering All the Love

A young child with short hair is biting into a bright red apple while standing in an orchard filled with trees. The child wears a blue jacket and has a joyful expression, capturing a moment of innocence and delight in nature, capturing a moment filled with innocence and joy, My Forever Son, "My Child on Earth Above in Heaven's Care": A Lullaby of Hope
A nostalgic photograph of a young boy enjoying an apple, capturing a moment filled with innocence and joy, My Forever Son, “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope

Online Directory for Coping with Grief, Trauma, and Distress

After A Suicide Resource Directory: Coping with Grief, Trauma, and Distress
http://www.personalgriefcoach.net
This online directory links people who are grieving after a suicide death to resources and information.

Alliance of Hope for Suicide Survivors
http://www.allianceofhope.org
This organization for survivors of suicide loss provides information sheets, a blog, and a community forum through which survivors can share with each other.

Friends for Survival
http://www.friendsforsurvival.org
This organization is for suicide loss survivors and professionals who work with them. It produces a monthly newsletter and runs the Suicide Loss Helpline (1-800-646-7322). It also published Pathways to Purpose and Hope, a guide to building a community-based suicide survivor support program.

HEARTBEAT: Grief Support Following Suicide
http://heartbeatsurvivorsaftersuicide.org
This organization has chapters providing support groups for survivors of suicide loss in Colorado and some other states. Its website provides information sheets for survivors and a leader’s guide on how to start a new chapter of HEARTBEAT.

Resources and Support Groups

Parents of Suicides and Friends & Families of Suicides (POS-FFOS)
http://www.pos-ffos.com
This website provides a public message board called Suicide Grief Support Forum, a listserv for parents, a separate listserv for others, and an online chat room for survivors of suicide loss.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
https://www.taps.org/suicide
This organization provides resources and programs for people grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces or as a result of their service. It has special resources and programs for suicide loss survivors.

United Survivors
https://unitesurvivors.org/
This organization is a place where people who have experienced suicide loss, suicide attempts, and suicidal thoughts and feelings, and their friends and families, can connect to use their lived experience to advocate for policy, systems, and cultural change.

Professional Organizations

American Association of Suicidology
suicidology.org • (202) 237-2280
Promotes public awareness, education and training for professionals, and sponsors an annual Healing After Suicide conference for suicide loss survivors. In addition to the conference, they offer a coping with suicide grief handbook by Jeffrey Jackson. This booklet is also available in Spanish.

The Compassionate Friends
compassionatefriends.org • (877) 969-0010
Offers resources for families after the death of a child. They sponsor support groups, newsletters and online support groups throughout the country, as well as an annual national conference for bereaved families.

The Dougy Center
The National Center for Grieving Children & Families
dougy.org • (503) 775-5683
Publishes extensive resources for helping children and teens who are grieving a death including death by suicide. Resources include the “Children, Teens and Suicide Loss” booklet created in partnership with AFSP. This booklet is also available in Spanish.

Link’s National Resource Center for Suicide Prevention and Aftercare
thelink.org/nrc-for-suicide-prevention-aftercar • 404-256-2919
Dedicated to reaching out to those whose lives have been impacted by suicide and connecting them to available resources.

Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS)
taps.org/suicide • (800) 959-TAPS (8277)
Provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.

LOSS
losscs.org
Offers support groups, remembrance events, companioning, suicide postvention and prevention education, and training to other communities interested in developing or enhancing their suicide postvention and prevention efforts.

Online resources

Alliance of Hope
allianceofhope.org
Provides a 24/7 online forum for suicide loss survivors.

Help Guide
helpguide.org
Provides resources and tips for how to navigate the loss of someone to suicide.

Parents of Suicides (POS) – Friends and Families of Suicides (FFOS)
pos-ffos.com
An internet community to connect parents, friends, and family that have lost someone to suicide.

SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
save.org/programs/suicide-loss-support • (952) 946-7998
Hosts resources for suicide loss survivor including a support group database, newsletter, survivor conference and the Named Memorial Program, which offers a special way to honor your loved one.

Siblings Survivors of Suicide Loss
siblingsurvivors.com
Provides resources and a platform to connect with others that have lost a sibling to suicide.

Finding professional care and support

Find a mental health provider

Find a provider for prolonged grief

Find additional resources for marginalized communities

Crisis Services

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988lifeline.org
Call or text 988 (press 1 for Veterans, 2 for Spanish, 3 for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults) or chat 988lifeline.org
A 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With crisis centers across the country, their mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential.

Crisis Text Line
crisistextline.org
Text TALK to 741-741 for English
Text AYUDA to 741-741 for Spanish
Provides free, text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need, 24/7.

Parents of Suicides: An Online Support Group for Parents Who Lose a Child to Suicide

Two snow-white peonies in full bloom, My Forever Son, Navigating Grief: A Parent's Journey After a Child's Suicide

Suicide is the anchor point on a continuum of suicidal thoughts & behaviors. This continuum is one that ranges from risk-taking behaviors at one end, extends through different degrees & types of suicidal thinking, & ends with suicide attempts and suicide.  

Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison, National Library of Medicine

Parents of Suicides is a dedicated international online closed email group where parents who have lost a child to suicide come together to offer support, hope, and healing. Join a Community of Understanding. Parents of Suicides (PoS) provides a safe space for sharing experiences, coping mechanisms, and emotional support. You are not alone in this journey. Together, we can find strength and solace.

A close-up of white roses with green leaves in a natural outdoor setting, symbolizing remembrance and hope, My Forever Son, Finding Hope After Losing a Child to Suicide: Parents' Resource
A close-up of white roses surrounded by lush green leaves, symbolizing remembrance and hope, My Forever Son, Finding Hope After Losing a Child to Suicide: Parents’ Resource

Support and Resources for Grieving Parents of Suicide Loss

Support Groups

A stack of books related to mental health and suicide prevention placed on a wooden table, with a blue mug and green plants in the background.
A collection of books focused on understanding grief, suicide, and mental health support, My Forever Son, Finding Support After Losing a Child to Suicide

Books for Understanding Suicide And Mental Health

An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness
Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., Alfred A. Knopf, 1995. In this memoir, an international authority on Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder describes her own struggle since adolescence with the disorder, and how it has shaped her life.

Darkness Visible
William Styron, Random House, 1990. A powerful and moving first-hand account of what depression feels like to the sufferer.

Devastating Losses: How Parents Cope with the Death of a Child to Suicide or Drugs
William Feigelman, Ph.D., John Jordan, Ph.D., John McIntosh, Ph.D., Beverly Feigelman, LCSW, Springer Publishing, 2012. This book provides useful avenues for future research on suicide loss and offers new insights into the grief process that follows the death of a child, both in the short term and years after a loss.  Please note that, given its academic tone, the book is better suited to clinicians and educators than to recently bereaved lay readers.

Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide
Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., Alfred A. Knopf, 1999. Kay Redfield Jamison’s in-depth psychological and scientific exploration of suicide traces the network of reasons underlying suicide, including the factors that interact to cause suicide, and outlines the evolving treatments available through modern medicine.

The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression
Andrew Solomon, Scribner, 2001.Winner of the National Book Award, this book shares the author’s story of chronic depression, and places depression in a broader social context.

Why People Die by Suicide
Thomas Joiner, Ph.D., Harvard University Press, 2005.
Drawing on extensive clinical and epidemiological evidence, as well as personal experience, the author, who lost his father to suicide, identifies three factors that mark those most at risk of considering, attempting, or dying by suicide.

Book Recommendation: ‘A Handbook for Coping with Suicide Grief’ by Jeffrey Jackson, providing support for survivors of suicide loss, My Forever Son

Cover of a handbook titled 'A handbook for coping with suicide grief' by Jeffrey Jackson, featuring illustrations of people and greenery, My Forever Son
Book Recommendation: ‘A Handbook for Coping with Suicide Grief’ by Jeffrey Jackson, providing support for survivors of suicide loss, My Forever Son
A close-up of a vibrant red rose with droplets of water on its petals, accompanied by the title 'Bury My Heart: 19 Poems for Grief and Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide' by Beth Brown,
Book cover of ‘Bury My Heart: 19 Poems for Grief and Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide‘ by Beth Brown, featuring a vibrant rose, symbolizing remembrance and hope, My Forever Son, Finding Hope After Losing a Child to Suicide: Parents’ Resource

Books

  • Beal, Karyl Chastain (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018). Faces of Suicide, Volumes One to Five.
  • Brown, Beth (2023) Bury My Heart: 19 Poems for Grief and Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide
  • Cacciatore, Joanne (2017). Bearing the Unbearable. Wisdom Publications.
  • Clark, Ann (2020). Gone to Suicide. A mom’s truth on heartbreak, transformation and prevention. Iuniverse.
  • Collins, Eileen Vorbach (2023). Love in the Archives. a patchwork of true stories about suicide loss. Apprentice House Press.
  • Cross, Tracey (2013). Suicide among gifted children and adolescents. Understanding the suicidal mind. Prufrock Press.
  • Dougy Center, The (2001). After a Suicide: An Activity Book for Grieving Kids. Dougy Center.
  • Estes, Clarissa Pinkola (1988). The Faithful Gardener. HarperCollinsSanFrancisco.
  • Fine, Carla (1997). No Time to Say Goodbye. Surviving the suicide of a loved one. Broadway Books.
  • Heilmann, Lena M.Q. (2019). Still with Us. Voices of Sibling Suicide Loss Survivors. BDI Publishers.
  • Hickman, Martha Whitmore (1994). Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief. William Morrow Paperbacks
  • Jamison, Kay Redfield (2000). Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide. Vintage.
  • Johnson, Julie Tallard (1994). Hidden Victims, Hidden Healers. An eight-stage healing process for families and friends of the mentally ill. Pema Publications.
  • Joiner, Thomas (2005). Why People Die by Suicide. Harvard University Press
  • Joiner, Thomas (2010). Myths About Suicide. Harvard University Press.
  • Kushner, Harold S. (2004). When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Anchor Books
  • O’Connor, Mary-Francis (2022). The Grieving Brain. HarperOne.
  • Rasmussen, Christina (2019). Second Firsts. Hay House Inc.
  • Shapiro, Larry (2020). Brain Pain. Giving insight to children who have lost a family member or a loved one to suicide. Safe Haven Books.
  • Wickersham, Julie (2009). The Suicide Index: Putting My Father’s Death in Order. Mariner Books.

Therapies

A woman in a brown coat kneels beside a grave, visibly emotional, with a vase of red and white flowers placed on the gravestone that reads 'SON.' The background shows a cemetery with multiple gravestones, My Forever Son, Finding Hope After Losing a Child to Suicide: Parents' Resource
A grieving parent visits their child’s grave, reflecting on loss and remembrance, My Forever Son, Finding Hope After Losing a Child to Suicide: Parents’ Resource

Memorial Sites

Recommended Reads: Reflections on Grief and Healing

RECOMMENDED READS: REFLECTIONS ON GRIEF AND HEALING

Finding Beauty in Loss: Poetic Reflections

Finding Beauty in Loss: Poetic Reflections Summary Finding Beauty in Loss: Poetic Reflections on Suicide Loss shares author Beth Brown’s journey of grief and healing after losing her son, Dylan, to suicide. Through poetry and nature photography, she finds solace and a way to express her overwhelming emotions. Her collection, “Find Hope Here: Poetic Reflections…

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Losing a Child to Suicide

Finding Solace After Losing a Child to Suicide: “Build a Life of Love Around the Loss”

Finding Solace After Losing a Child to Suicide: “Build a Life of Love Around the Loss” Summary Finding Solace After Losing a Child to Suicide: “Build a Life of Love Around the Loss” explores the emotional turmoil of grief and offers guidance for healing. Through personal narratives and expert insights, the article emphasizes that parents…

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Close-up of pink azalea flowers with delicate petals and prominent stamens, My Forever Son
Blooming pink azalea flowers representing love and remembrance, My Forever Son, Embracing Grief: A Poetic Journey of Love

Embracing Grief: A Poetic Journey of Love

Have you ever considered how your story might connect with others? We encourage you to share how you have embraced your grief and how it reflects the deep love you have for your child. Your experience can powerfully show how love and loss are connected, inspiring others on their journeys.

  • Reflect on your experiences: How have you embraced your grief? How does your grief reflect the deep love you have for your child?

Sharing your story can be a meaningful step in your healing journey. Reach out, and let’s transform your grief into a narrative that inspires and uplifts.

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Home » Finding Beauty in Loss: Poetic Reflections » “My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope

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By Beth Brown

Musician. Writer. Literary Connoisseur. Always writing, scribbling poetry, turning feelings into words. "Break my heart even further" can't ever be done, for I lost my heart the night I lost my son. Come find me writing at My Forever Son: Grief, Hope, and Healing After Losing My Son to Suicide.

At the whim of Most Beloved Cat, I write as she tattles on the garden cats. Find Most Beloved Cat sharing her stories at Gardens at Effingham: Where Cats Tell the Tales

33 replies on ““My Child on Earth Above in Heaven’s Care”: A Lullaby of Hope”

[…] As I tuck you in, I lay me down As I hold you now, I lift my arms As I fall asleep, I pray for you My child, my love, my heart, I’m with you too My child, my love, my heart, May God keep and love you And you will be forevermore Safe from this world and so adored And God will be your comforter And I will always thank God for rescuing you And I will always praise God for loving you too And so I live my life in memory Surrendering to God, what now must be But here on earth I know the angels sing When I hear your voice I know God’s listening And I will always be your mother here And I will speak your name for all to hear And God will be with you ’til I get there My child on earth above in heaven’s care My child on earth above in heaven’s care Beth Brown, "As I Tuck You In," My Forever Son […]

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