Missing someone you love can hurt. You may miss a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, friend, or another special person. Sometimes you may miss them because they died. Other times, they may no longer be part of your everyday life.
When someone important is gone, many feelings can show up.
You may feel sad. You may feel angry or confused. May even feel happy when you remember something fun you did together. All of these feelings are okay.
There is no right or wrong way to miss someone.
Why Do I Miss Them So Much?
You miss someone because they mattered to you.
You may think about them when you wake up. A song, picture, holiday, or special place may remind you of them. Sometimes a memory may appear when you do not expect it.
You may miss their voice, their hugs, or the things you did together.
That is okay.
Missing someone is one way your heart remembers the love you shared.
Feelings Can Change
Grief does not feel the same every day.
One day you may feel very sad. The next day you may want to play and laugh. Later, you might feel sad again.
You may feel:
- Sad or lonely
- Angry
- Confused
- Nervous or worried
- Tired
- Quiet
- Happy when you remember good times
You can have more than one feeling at the same time.
It Is Okay to Have Good Days
Having fun does not mean you forgot the person you love.
You are allowed to laugh.
Allowed to play.
You are allowed to make new memories.
You can miss someone and still have happy moments. The love you have for them does not disappear because you are having a good day.
Ways to Remember Someone You Love
Memories can help you feel connected to someone you miss.
You can look at pictures together. Can tell stories about them. Can draw a picture or write about a favorite memory.
You might also make a memory box, listen to their favorite music, visit a special place, or do something they enjoyed.
Small things can help keep special memories close.
Talk to Someone You Trust
You do not have to handle big feelings alone.
Tell a trusted adult when you are sad, scared, angry, or confused. You can talk to a parent, caregiver, grandparent, teacher, counselor, or another safe adult.
You do not need to know exactly what to say.
or
You can simply say:
“I miss them.”
That is enough to start.
When Grief Feels Really Big
Sometimes missing someone can feel too big to manage alone.
You may have trouble sleeping. May stop wanting to play or do things you normally enjoy. You may feel very worried or sad for a long time.
Tell a trusted adult when this happens.
They can listen to you and help you find more support.
Asking for help is brave.
Helping a Child Who Is Grieving
Children need honest, simple, and loving support when they are grieving.
Give them time to talk. Listen without trying to change their feelings. Answer their questions in words they can understand.
It is also important to keep routines when possible. Familiar meals, bedtime routines, school, and family activities can help children feel safe.
Most importantly, remind them that they are loved and that they do not have to grieve alone.
Memories Keep Love Close
Someone can be gone and still be an important part of your story.
You can remember what they taught you. Can tell their stories. You can carry the love they gave you into the things you do today.
Some days may be hard. Other days may feel easier.
Take your time.
It is okay to miss someone you love.
Okay to remember them.
It is okay to smile again.
Their love can stay in your heart.
