“The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection.” — George Orwell
Grieving parents often hold themselves to impossible standards. Many wonder why they can’t function, smile, or move forward like others. The pressure to “do grief right” weighs heavily. Some believe they must stay strong for others. Others blame themselves for breaking down too often. Grief does not follow a perfect path. Pain arrives in waves, not on a schedule. Sadness does not respect milestones or social expectations. Grieving parents deserve room to be real—raw, uneven, and imperfect. Being human means allowing that chaos without shame.
Perfection in grief does not exist. The loss of a child tears away the illusion of control. Every day becomes unpredictable. Some mornings we manage to get up. Other days we remain beneath the covers. Small accomplishments can feel like mountains. People who have not known this pain may not understand. Perfection has never comforted a grieving soul. Authenticity does. Honest expression opens the door to connection. Our shared humanity lies not in how well we perform, but in how bravely we endure.
Grieving hearts already carry so much. Releasing the burden of perfection allows more space for tenderness. A gentle word matters more than a polished one. A hug offered in silence speaks louder than clever words. Striving for perfection creates distance. Embracing our flaws creates bridges. Grieving parents often discover a deeper truth—brokenness is not failure. Brokenness reveals the depth of love that still remains. In our imperfection, we meet others where they are. That meeting is the beginning of healing.
Thought for today: Let go of the need to grieve perfectly. Allow yourself to be fully human. That is more than enough.