‘No more grieving alone’

“WE didn’t want other siblings coming into this world of grief after us only to find the same as we did – nothing.”

These are the touching and powerful words of Maeveen McNabb of Dromore, who sadly lost her 34-year-old sister, Triona to misdiagnosis in 2017.

Understandably, Maeveen and her sisters, Edel and Cathy were swept into a hurricane of pain after this tragedy – not only did it tear their hearts apart, but they also began to feel like ‘outsiders’ and ‘aliens’ in a world they thought they knew so well.

And the worst part of all: They felt unsupported and overlooked in their sadness; simply because they were adults.

Comfort and support

That is why the trio have crafted a website called ‘Sibling Grief Club’.

Launched this month, the website connects bereaved adult siblings, with the sole intention of lending comfort and support to one another.

Not only is it a safe space for those who feel broken, lost and alone, but the club also acts as a celebration of Triona’s memory; leaving a lasting legacy from the sister’s deepest loss.

For the McNabbs, it is a valuable resource and a safe space for emotions to be expressed – and for countless others, it will prove to be a lifeline.

Speaking candidly about Sibling Grief Club, Maeveen said, “It’s so hard to turn the next page when you know your sibling won’t even be in the next chapter… But it’s even harder that the story goes on regardless.

“That is why we created the website: To connect bereaved adult siblings, so they can lend comfort and support to one another.

“There’s nothing like an out-of-order death to make you feel like an outsider – but throw a sibling death into the mix and you feel like an alien.

“The grief of adult brothers and sisters can often feel overlooked or not as important.

“But grieving is the natural way of working through the loss of love. It is nature’s way of healing a broken heart.”

Triona, the youngest of the McNabb sisters, died in hospital on February 27, 2017.

A post-mortem examination found a blockage in her bowel as a result of scar tissue.

‘Mind your hearts’

Founded on love, with openness as a staple, the Sibling Grief Club’s ever-growing content includes insightful resources and webinars on grief and loss developed by psychotherapist Brónagh Starrs and counsellor Paul Mallon; journaling prompts; a griever’s playlist; and self-care tips – all of which are free of charge.

“You cannot stop grief anymore than you can stop love,” Maeveen added. “So please mind your hearts – they’ve been through a lot.”

The website is currently supported by an online community on Facebook and Instagram and the McNabb sisters plan more events of the same nature to unite all people who want and need an outlet for their grief.

• If you feel that you, or anyone you know, could benefit from the services which Sibling Grief Club provides, please visit www.siblinggriefclub.com