Grief due to illness is a process that often begins long before the loss. The anticipation of the outcome, the physical and emotional strain of caring for a loved one, and the void left behind after their passing make it unique and deeply painful.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Grief due to illness mixes sadness, relief, emptiness and guilt.
In addition to the pain of loss, parents often carry the exhaustion of caregiving, medical decisions, and anticipated emotions during the illness.

Grief often begins before the end, creating an emotional roller coaster. After the death, it's common to feel relief that the child is no longer suffering, combined with deep sadness and questions like, "Did I do enough?" These emotions, though difficult, are a normal part of the healing process.

Grief due to illness has particularities that make it unique.

How does this type of loss affect?

Anticipated duel:

During the illness process, it's common to begin experiencing grief even before the loss occurs. This anticipatory grief can cause emotional and physical exhaustion, but it also prepares, to some extent, for the final moment.

Mixed feelings:

After a loss, many people feel a mixture of relief (because their loved one is no longer suffering) and deep sadness. These emotions, although contradictory, are normal and should not generate guilt.

Emotional and physical fatigue:

Being a caregiver during a prolonged illness can be a significant drain, often leading to feelings of emptiness and exhaustion after the loss.

Outstanding questions:

Despite having had time to prepare, many people feel there are things left unsaid or undone. These reflections are a normal part of the grieving process and can be addressed with emotional support.

How to Accompany this Type of Grief

Grieving from illness requires time, self-compassion, and ongoing support.
It's a process that requires patience and a lot of self-love, as emotions can be deep and often conflicting. The key is to take it one step at a time, allowing yourself to feel and seek support from those around you.

Try to keep in mind

Allow yourself to feel conflicting emotions:

It's normal to feel relief that your loved one is no longer suffering, while also feeling deep sadness for their absence. Both emotions can coexist, and there's no reason to feel guilty about it.

Take time to rest:

If you were a caregiver during the illness, you're probably physically and emotionally exhausted. Taking time for your own well-being isn't selfish; it's necessary for healing.

Keep the memories alive:

Performing symbolic acts such as writing a letter, creating a photo album, or dedicating a special space in your home can help you process the loss and maintain a loving connection with your loved one.

Seek professional help if you need it:

A grief therapist can help you work through more complex emotions, such as guilt, emptiness, or feeling stuck in the past.

Connect with others who have experienced something similar:

Participating in support groups can offer you a safe space to share your emotions, listen to other experiences, and feel supported in the process.

Remember that grief doesn't have a set timeframe. It's a unique process for each person, and it's okay to move at your own pace.

Resources and Support

At El Toque de los Ángeles , we provide you with specific resources to help you through your grieving process:

Voices of Strength and Hope

  • Martha, Daniel's mother, 14 years old

    Caring for my son during his illness was an act of love, but it also left me emotionally drained. After his death, I didn't know how to begin healing. Here, I found people who listened to me and helped me find a new purpose.

  • Andrea, mother of Daniela, 8 years old

    During my daughter's illness, I felt like there would never be enough time to say goodbye. Now I know she'll always be with me, and the foundation has helped me build a new way to remember her with love.

  • Marta, Camilo's mother, 21 years old

    Sharing with others who understood my pain was what helped me move forward. The foundation gave me tools to work through my emotions and feel supported during this difficult process.

We accompany you with love and understanding in these times of pain.

We know grief can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to carry it alone . This space is for you: a place where you'll find comfort, understanding, and a support network made up of people who understand what you're going through a little better, from their own experiences.

Find out how we can help you