A very important observance takes place this month — it’s Worldwide Bereaved Sibling Month.

I’ve met so many families torn apart by sepsis, and I know how important it is to remember siblings — like Rory’s little sister Kathleen. Kathleen and Rory were as thick as thieves and shared so much in their short time together. She was just ten years old when he died.

This month is dedicated to recognising the unique grief of losing a brother or sister.

Sibling grief is often overlooked. It can be overshadowed by the grief of a parent or a spouse — but it is no less profound. Siblings lose the order of the family, the older than and younger than. They grieve what might have been, and they grieve the small daily things too: the inside jokes, the shared moments, the hugs. They lose their role — as little sister, as big brother — and they lose the person they dreamed with and kept their secrets with.

Let’s remember our bereaved siblings this month. They deserve our love and our understanding.