Parent Loss Resources
Losing a parent changes your world in ways that can be hard to put into words. Whether your grief is fresh or has settled into a quieter ache, this season often brings a mix of emotions—sadness, gratitude, confusion, longing, and even unexpected relief or regret. This page offers curated resources to help you find support, comfort, and connection as you navigate life after the loss of a mother or father.
Support Groups
Many people find groups as a great source of encouragement in the midst of managing their grief. At the right time, they can be a game-changer. Wondering if you are ready? Take the group readiness assessment tool and find out.
- Rebuild – 10-week workshop to support those experiencing loss of a loved one, with mixed groups that often include those grieving a parent. Groups meet each Fall and Spring. Includes a stand-alone “Hard Days of the Holidays” event.
Richardson, TX
Chicago, IL - Faith & Grief Ministries – Offers monthly Christian grief luncheons/support gatherings (such as at First Presbyterian Dallas) and faith-based weekend retreats in Texas (including Mo Ranch).
- GriefShare – A 13-week Christ-centered grief recovery group available through many area churches. It combines video teaching, group discussion, and personal reflection. Suitable for anyone grieving a parent.
- STEPHEN MINISTRY – Provides confidential Christian care, support, and encouragement for emotional and spiritual needs. Many local churches offer Stephen Ministry. This is Woodcreek Churh’s contact info (Richardson, TX).
List of Books for Grief
This list of resources is broad and helpful for all types of loss. For parent loss, here are a few recommendations…
- When Your Parent Dies: A Concise and Practical Source of Help and Advice by Ron Klug
- Healing the Adult Child’s Grieving Heart: 100 Practical Ideas After Your Parent Dies by Alan D. Wolfelt
- Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief by Martha Whitmore Hickman
- A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss by Jerry L. Sittser
- Safe in the Arms of God by John MacArthur (offers theological comfort for those processing loss and eternity)
List of Songs for Grief and Hope
A heartfelt playlist of songs that speak into seasons of loss. A few specific songs for parent loss…
- Homesick – MercyMe
- Well Done – The Afters
- Scars in Heaven – Casting Crowns
- Jealous of the Angels by Jenn Bostic
- I can only imagine by MercyMe
List of Blogs
Encouraging Christian voices that speak to many forms of loss, including parent loss:
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.
