When Grief Turns To Action

When grief turns to action. Another mass shooting. Another 19 children and 2 teachers. Dead. The communal grief is overflowing. Losing a loved one, especially a child is beyond heart breaking. 

It is an exclusive club that nobody wants to be a part of, losing a young child in an elementary school shooting. A tragedy becoming all too common.  Tragic and unimaginable for those who see it from the outside. Those who experience it first hand change forever. For many of these parents their pain and grief have fueled action. When grief turns to action you see the real change.

Everyone grieves differently. One of the “labeled” stages of grief is anger. It is not uncommon for the anger of how a loved one died fuels you to make changes for your future and for the future of others. 

The pain of losing anyone in an out of order death, especially in an act of violence never really goes away. Life changes forever and grief sticks with you. You may be able to move forward but moving on is quite impossible. 

When Grief Turns to Action

Some parents and loved ones who lose children in acts of violence turn their grief into action. There are some great organizations that have been birthed out of the grief of losing a child or family member. Creating these organizations are a way to remember and honor the life of the lost and make changes so others do not experience the same or have resources and support if they do. 

Foundations Making a Big Impact

Sandy Hook Promises is one of those organizations created in the wake up grief to create change.

“Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Based in Newtown, Connecticut, our intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. By empowering youth to “know the signs” and uniting all people who value the protection of children, we can take meaningful actions in schools, homes, and communities to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life.” 

Another non profit foundation created out of tragedy is Protect Our Schools. Also run by parents and loved ones of children lost in Newtown, Connecticut. This organization is dedicated to eliminating gun violence and protecting children. 

“Inspired by the courageous young people across the nation, students, parents, educators and community advocates are joining together to take action on gun violence in schools. Together we must take up the students’ call, “No more.” 

These foundations have taken grief and turned it into action. You can do the same. Having appropriate grief support is crucial along the way as you turn your grief into action. 

Find grief support here.