How do I tell her? Update #39

[Barbamama]

That she won't see her Papa again? My husband took his own life last night. He succumbed to the mental illness and substance abuse that split us apart and finally forced me to leave with DD for our safety 2 wks ago. But this? What can I say to a 2 y.o. who won't know the joy of papa-horsie rides again? Or squeal his name in delight upon seeing him?

I don't know what to do.

Please pray for us. Please pray for his spirit -- that it has found peace.

[veryerin]

I am so sorry.

Praying for you and your daughter.

[fek&fuzz]

I'm so sorry. There are a couple of mamas here who have gone through the same thing, and hopefully they will find this thread.

to you and your daughter.

[earthmama369]

I am so sorry, for your loss and your daughter's.

[Viola]

I'm so sorry. I'll be praying for you.

[Collinsky]

I'm so sorry. I don't have any words of wisdom but wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and your little girl.

[elisent]

I am so sorry.

[theretohere]

Hey, mama, sorry that you are having to ask these questions. DD1s father committed suicide- if you'd like to PM me I'll talk to you about how we are/ have handled it.

[Vancouver Mommy]

I am so sorry. What a terrible thing to have to deal with. Hugs to you and your daughter.

[mamabutterfly]

I am also sorry for your loss. Is there a pastor or someone in your life who would have experience with how to explain loss to a toddler?

I would keep it direct and simple at first.
I have heard this website is helpful: http://www.kidsgrief.com/

Take care, mama. I wish you well on this journey.

[momma of monkeys]

Oh momma....I am sooooo sorry. My first husband took his own life (MI & SA isuues at play as well)....it was 10 years ago, October 23....we did not have any dc together though if you need to talk, I am available to you. Sending you strength and gentleness....

[Nikki Christina]

[sbgrace]

http://www.ywbb.org/forums/ubbthreads.php My sister found this site helpful when her husband died. They have a special circumstances section and there are quite a few suicide survivors there and a parents section.

I will pray for you and your daughter and that your husband is finally at peace.

[DariusMom]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Ruthla]

I'm so sorry for your loss. The simple truth is "Daddy was very sick and he died." I wouldn't go into much more detail than that.

[gumby74]

I am sooo sorry: When my mom passed, she left behind four children under the age of 16. The youngest was 4. We sought out the help of a psychiologist to do play therapy with the youngest. This person was a great resource because she continued to see the children as they got older, were able to understand more and thus have more questions. It really helped.

[Liquesce]

I'm so sorry for your loss. And I just wanted to second the YWBB sbgrace linked above. I lost my husband to suicide as well, and that place was really helpful to me in terms of just not feeling alone with the experience.

[Rigama]

[Eliseatthebeach]

I am so verry sorry

[Milvudeeshna]