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Love From Lydia: A Mother’s Journey Through Child Loss and Healing

Updated: Apr 8






Losing a child is an unimaginable heartbreak. It’s a grief that changes everything—the way you see the world, your relationships, even your sense of self. If you’ve experienced this loss, you may be wondering, Why is losing a child so painful? The truth is, there’s no simple answer. It’s painful because the bond between a parent and child is like no other. It’s the loss of a future you had planned, of memories you never got to make, and of a love that had no limits. 


In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Danielle Cristofano Schwartz shares her deeply personal story of losing her daughter, Lydia, and how she turned her grief into action. Through her organization, Love From Lydia, she’s created a space where grieving parents can find support, understanding, and community. 


What Happens After the Loss of a Child? 

Grieving a child is unlike any other loss. Some of the effects of losing a child include: 


  • Emotional overwhelm – Sadness, guilt, anger, and even moments of numbness. 

  • Physical exhaustion – The weight of grief can be felt in your body, leaving you drained. 

  • Feeling alone – Friends and family may not understand what to say, leading to isolation. 

  • Questioning the future – How do you move forward when life feels so different now? 


Danielle knows these feelings all too well. After Lydia’s passing, she struggled with how to keep going—but eventually, she found a way to honor her daughter’s memory while also helping other parents. 


How to Cope with Losing a Child 

Grief is overwhelming, but there are ways to carry it with love and meaning. Here are a few lessons from Danielle’s journey: 


1. Find People Who Understand 

Nothing replaces the connection between two people who truly “get it.” That’s why Danielle started COPE (Connecting Our Personal Experiences), a program that matches newly bereaved parents with those who have been on this journey longer. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference. 


2. Honor Your Child’s Memory in Your Own Way 

Danielle found comfort in acts of kindness, crocheting small white hearts and leaving them for strangers with messages of love. Some parents create scholarships, plant trees, or celebrate their child’s birthday each year. There’s no right or wrong way—only what feels meaningful to you. 


3. Give Yourself Grace 

Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. Some days, you may feel like you can’t breathe. Other days, a memory might bring a smile. However you feel is okay. Healing isn’t about “getting over” your loss—it’s about learning how to carry it while still finding joy in life. 


The Power of Community in Grief 

One of the hardest parts of losing a child is how isolating it can feel. Many people don’t know what to say, and their silence can feel like another loss. That’s why grief support groups, awareness efforts, and simple conversations are so important. 


Danielle’s mission with Love From Lydia is to help parents feel seen, supported, and never alone in their grief. She wants the world to understand that talking about a child who has passed isn’t painful—it’s an act of love. 


You’re Not Alone—Here’s How to Find Support 

If you or someone you love is grieving, support is out there. 


If this conversation spoke to you, please share it with someone who may need it.

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