Episodes 16 and 17 – Sibling Support
In Episodes 16 and 17 of Love Beyond Lifetimes, we turn our attention to the often-forgotten grievers… siblings. We are joined once again by Linda, Caoimhe’s mam, a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and play therapist, whose personal and professional experience brings a unique understanding to this conversation. Linda shares her own journey of supporting Caoimhe’s sisters, Lesley-Anne and Niamh, while also drawing on her years of experience helping children and families navigate grief. Across these two episodes, Linda explores the importance of continuing bonds with the sibling who has died, reminding us that it is never too late to create memories, tell stories, or include a precious baby as part of a family’s life. She also speaks with great compassion about the challenges of parenting after loss, and the vital role that grandparents, extended family, schools, and the wider community can play in recognising, supporting, and validating a sibling’s grief. These episodes are a gentle reminder that grief belongs to the whole family, and that every child deserves to have their brother or sister remembered and spoken about with love. And throughout these conversations, we are reminded that there is no one right or wrong way to navigate grief. As bereaved parents, it is so important that we show ourselves compassion rather than judgement as we try to support our children while navigating our own grief too.