Grateful Hearts: Tea Time for Grieving Moms
Most of the month, I’ve been sharing about the tricky aspects of life after the death of a child. This year, I wanted to do something that could help others facing a similar road.
Here’s the thing: losing a child at any age or stage is devastating. Moms who lose a child in pregnancy grieve someone they never got to know. “Moms in waiting” mourn the dream of motherhood with each passing month. And moms who have lost a living child often echo the quote, “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a while, but their hearts forever.”
What is it?
You may be wondering what Tea Time for Grieving Moms actually is—and why you might consider attending.
For us, it was about gathering with other moms who spoke the same language—the heartache of miscarriage, infertility, or child loss. It was a formal Tea in their honor, complete with all the fixings. (Maybe not the best word choice for a formal event, but I’m a native Texan!)
The tables were set with teacups, plates, flowers, candles, scones (yum!), finger sandwiches, and desserts. It was beautiful.
We heard from three moms who’ve walked the hard road of infertility, miscarriage, and child loss. They’ve not only endured but grown—leaning on our Heavenly Father for strength. Women had the chance to share their own stories and hear someone say, “Me too.” Each mom received a carnation—recognizing their story and the child they carry in their heart.
Yes, there were tears. But there was also laughter, smiles, and moments of connection that filled the room.
Why do you do it?
We hosted the event to recognize International Bereaved Mother’s Day. Women need each other. I especially love that the event was hosted by moms who haven’t experienced child loss themselves. That kind of compassion speaks volumes.
For the past five years, I’ve attended a similar event hosted by another group of moms. Thank you, Hope Dawning, for the invitation year after year!
Does it sound a little more inviting now? I hope so.
If you live in North Dallas or Collin County, mark your calendar for Bereaved Mother’s Day 2025. If you don’t live nearby, look for groups in your area—or start one yourself. I’d love to help you get it going. This is a tradition worth growing in every community.
Happy Bereaved Mother’s Day.
jthomas
Julie Thomas has a degree in secondary education from Baylor University. She taught and coached for nine years at the secondary level before serving 30 years for Real Options, a pregnancy clinic in Allen, Texas. Her passion is equipping volunteers to talk with women dealing with an unplanned pregnancies. Julie has been married to Marcus for 30+ years, and they have four children: Rachael, Robin, Sara, and Bryan. In 2017, Julie’s life changed forever when she lost her 16-year-old son. Learning to deal with loss in Julie’s life led her to begin a grief ministry, become a certificate in Mental Health Coaching with an understanding of Grief and Loss. REBUILD, Finding Hope After Loss was written by Willow Creek Church in Chicago.
