“The true woman will not be exponent of another, or allow another to be such for her. She will be her own individual self, do her own individual work.” — Susan B. Anthony
Grief often leaves us feeling erased. The world may continue as if nothing happened, while everything inside us has changed. Parents who have lost a child can feel invisible, trapped behind polite smiles and well-meaning distractions. The grief becomes something others try to smooth over. But the truth remains—no one can walk through this pain on our behalf. No voice can speak for the depth of our loss. Each grieving parent must walk this road in their own time, in their own way.
Every grieving journey is deeply personal. Advice from others may feel like noise in a storm. People who mean well often offer quick solutions. But a parent who has lost a child knows that real healing cannot be rushed. The sorrow is not a problem to fix. The sorrow is a sacred bond to carry. Grieving parents deserve space to tell their own story. That story is not a weakness—it is a testimony of love. No one can narrate that story better than the one who has lived it.
Owning our grief is not selfish. Taking time to grieve on our own terms is an act of strength. Many people will misunderstand the quiet, the sadness, or the need for solitude. Some may expect the grief to pass quickly. But our love did not vanish, and neither does the ache. We honor our children best by being honest about our pain. We reclaim our power each time we speak for ourselves. Grieving with integrity becomes our own individual work.
Thought for today: Trust your voice. Let your grief speak in its own words, in its own time, without apology.