Valentine’s Day can be especially tender after the loss of a child. While the holiday often centers on romance, it is also a day rooted in love—and love never ends. For families grieving a child to DIPG/DMG, this day can become a meaningful opportunity to remember, honor, and include their child in ways that feel safe and comforting.

Memory-Focused Ideas for the Whole Family

• Write Valentine cards to your child sharing love, memories, or updates about life. These can be placed in a memory box, at their resting place, or kept privately.

• Light a candle in their honor on Valentine’s Day evening and say their name aloud.

• Make or buy their favorite treat and share it together as a family, remembering moments tied to food, laughter, or holidays.

• Wear their favorite color or symbol (hearts, butterflies, sports logos) as a quiet way to keep them close.

• Create a love note jar filled with reasons your child will always be loved; open one together on Valentine’s Day.

Ideas Especially for Siblings

Siblings grieve differently and often quietly. Including them helps validate their loss and love.

• Help siblings make valentines for their brother or sister, using drawings, stickers, or written memories.

• Create a sibling memory activity, like decorating a heart with things they loved doing together.

• Let siblings choose an act of kindness: donating toys, handing out valentines, or helping someone in honor of their sibling.

• Read a book about sibling grief and invite conversation without forcing it. We have some favorites here:

  • The Rabbit Listened– https://amzn.to/4a6VmL6 
  • The Memory Box- https://amzn.to/3ZotQCr
  • Everywhere, Still– https://amzn.to/4kmMsfV
  • God Gave Us Heaven– https://amzn.to/4r7Ckds
  • The Memory Tree– https://amzn.to/3OaUDQg

• Give siblings permission to feel joy, sadness, or both. Loving life doesn’t mean loving their sibling any less.

Giving Love Forward

Some families find healing in turning love outward:

• Donate to DIPG/DMG research in your child’s honor

• Send valentines to other pediatric cancer families

• Support a foundation or cause connected to your child’s journey

There is no “right” way to grieve on Valentine’s Day. Whether the day is quiet, tearful, joyful, or all of the above; your love for your child remains constant. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about what’s missing; it can also be about honoring a love that will never fade.