To the editor:

This is an open letter to the area communities.

My husband and I are bereaved parents since 2001 and facilitators of the Adirondack NY Chapter of Bereaved Parents of the USA, a national group which offers support, understanding, encouragement and hope to fellow bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents following the death of a child of any age.

I am writing today as Mother’s Day is almost here. If you know someone who is a mother and has had a child die, there is something we’d like you to know.

Every mother holds that child in their thoughts and in their hearts every Mother’s Day. They want to hear his or her name spoken. They want people to recognize that this day may be a doozy, too! We realize that some people remember that this mother has had a loss but choose not to say anything, in case it will make the mom sadder. But what you may not know, is by not saying something, that makes them more sad. Newly bereaved are always thinking of their child. And we like to say that “speaking their name, may bring tears, but it’s music to our ears.” It truly can be the best Mother’s Day gift you can bring to a bereaved mom. And so what do you say? Something simple. Thinking of you and (child’s name) today.

We hope this will help those who don’t know what to say.

This is a journey, but walking with others who will not be afraid to speak their name is a gift. For more information on BP/USA, contact Deb at 518-637-3004. Monthly meetings in Saranac Lake.

Sincerely,

Deb Jerdo

Saranac Lake