Losing a child is a devastating, world-shattering experience. For parents, it can feel as though a part of themselves has been torn away, leaving a void that words can hardly begin to describe.

This kind of grief is raw, intense, and isolating. It is a journey marked by overwhelming sadness, love, and longing — and it is unique for every parent.

Every October, parents and families all over the world come together to honor the little ones who are no longer with us, sharing stories of love and loss, pain and remembrance. For me, this week is a deeply personal time, one that holds both sadness and beauty.