“Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” — Viktor Frankl
Grief strips away many reasons to keep going. The loss of a child leaves a hole that feels impossible to fill. Many grieving parents find themselves searching for meaning in the midst of pain. Without a clear purpose, days may blend into numbness and despair. Yet, the search for a “why” becomes vital for survival. A small reason—hope for healing, memories of love, or a promise to honor a child’s life—can anchor a grieving heart. That purpose does not erase pain but provides strength to carry it.
Life after loss demands endurance, even when the “how” feels unbearable. Grieving parents learn to navigate days that stretch endlessly. Sometimes, the “how” means facing overwhelming sorrow, confusion, or loneliness. Those days test the limits of human resilience. Having a “why” offers direction amid the chaos. A purpose, no matter how fragile or humble, guides steps forward. The “why” may be a quiet commitment to keep living for those still here. The “why” may be the courage to hold on until healing becomes possible.
Purpose in grief does not come suddenly or easily. Finding a “why” often takes time and patience. Many grieving parents discover meaning in small moments. Acts of remembrance, connections with others who understand, or simple daily routines build a foundation. Each small reason to live forms a thread that holds life together. When the “why” grows stronger, the “how” becomes more bearable. The journey is neither quick nor simple. But even the faintest purpose can hold a grieving heart steady through the darkest storms.
Thought for today: Seek one small reason to keep moving forward. That “why” will help carry you through the hardest days.