Dominique Cojuangco is mourning the death of her half-sister, Patricia Paula Cojuangco Kierulf, who passed away on April 19 at the age of 47.
Dominique is the daughter of businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco and actress Gretchen Barretto. Patricia is Tony Boy's daughter with his former wife Bingbing Gonzalez.
ALSO READ: Navigating Grief: Advice After Losing a Parent
Dominique Cojuangco confirms sister Patty's passing
On Instagram, Dominique shared a heartfelt tribute featuring never-before-seen photos of her and Patricia, lovingly called Patty, from childhood to her wedding with Michael Hearn.
In her caption, she wrote, "How blessed am I to have been able to call you my sister in this lifetime? My heart is shattered. I'll love you forever."
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Dominique didn't share details about Patty's passing, but her message showed how strong their bond was. She also turned off her post's comments to keep it private.
Dominique Cojuangco shares lessons from her 20s
The loss comes after Dominique's birthday on April 22, which she marked with a reflective post titled "Lessons from My Twenties." She turned 29.
The celebrity mom imparted several insightful yet simple lessons about life, including:
"Your values will shift. Who you are at 29 won't always reflect who you were at 20. It's a sign of growth."
"Speak to yourself like someone you love. Your inner voice matters more than you think."
However, it was the final point that truly resonates with what she's going through at the moment:
"Don't take time for granted. Life is fleeting—tell your friends and family you love them more often."
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Coping with the loss of a sibling: What to do in times of grief
Losing a sibling is an incredibly painful experience for both children and adults, as the bond between siblings is often one of the strongest in life.
The grief that follows can be overwhelming, and it is important for both children and adults to allow themselves to feel and express their emotions in their own way, whether through tears, silence, or creative outlets like drawing, writing, or journaling. Processing grief in a healthy, non-judgmental manner is key to healing.
For children, one of the first steps in coping with the loss of a sibling is acknowledging their pain. It is normal for kids to experience a wide range of emotions, from sadness and confusion to anger. Reassure them that it is okay to feel these things and that grieving takes time. Talking about the sibling who has passed, sharing memories, and even keeping special mementos can help them feel connected to their sibling's memory and process the loss. Encouraging them to express their feelings in age-appropriate ways is also essential.
Speaking with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can offer comfort and help grieving kids navigate the emotional challenges that come with such a loss. Sharing memories, writing letters to the deceased, or even creating a personal ritual can help process grief and maintain a connection with the lost sibling.
Support is also critical. Whether from family members, friends, or counselors, having people who listen and offer comfort is essential in the grieving process. While children may need extra reassurance, adults may need time to process their feelings and a support system that helps them navigate their grief without rushing the healing process.
For more tips on navigating grief, read here.
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