The loss of a child often is called the ultimate tragedy – nothing can be more devastating. Along with the usual symptoms and stages of grief, there are many issues that make parental bereavement particularly difficult to resolve.
For the past five years Thembisa Njikelana has been trying to process the sudden death of her son, Kolekile who passed away at the young age of 32.
When someone close dies at a more advanced age, people often take comfort in knowing that death is part of the natural process of living. However, this experience is not the same when you are faced with the sudden death of your child.
For parents who have lost a child, it makes no sense for life to end at such a young age. The loss cuts so deep, it can be suffocating. Unfortunately Thembisa knows this feeling all too well.
That’s why she came up with the initiative of establishing a support group for all parents who have had to bury their child.
“No one knows what you’re experiencing unless they are going through it themselves. I want to establish a support group where parents can talk and share their pain. I want to let others know they are not alone,” she said.
“It’s such a deep, dark and scary path to walk all on your own. There are still days when I feel like I’ve accepted my son’s death and there are other days when I feel like I just can’t.”
Thembisa aims to create a safe space where parents can come when they need someone to talk to.
“It’s so important to keep your mind busy so your thoughts don’t run away with you. With all that has been happening over the past few years it has been difficult to cope, and I hope to provide some light to others in a similar situation. I really hope this will make a difference in the lives of parents who’ve lost a child,” she said.
She hopes to host these sessions at least once a month from her home in Witpoortjie. If you are interested in joining, or would like to find out more, feel free to contact Thembisa on 078 396 2815.
