grief
Someone said to me recently that when your parents die, if they are old, have led a good life, and are ready to go, then you don’t grieve so much. I have recently discovered both the truth and untruth of this, when my Dad died on 25th September, and then my Mum died just a…
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Walking in a beautiful memorial park in Coventry, England, dedicated to the huge numbers of men killed in both World Wars, I felt the peace in the air. All around me on this sunny day, families were out picnicking, playing and enjoying themselves and yet there was still a sense of peace. What a…
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How to cope at Christmas when you’re grieving? Is it even possible? Just the thought of your loved one at this time can be a nightmare, especially when it is a partner, child or other person you were living with. I hope this infographic will help you with managing not just the day itself, but…
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How to Answer the Big Questions of Death When Still Alive is the name of the latest podcast from a wonderful site called Death Goes Digital. I was interviewed by the charming founder of Death Goes Digital, Peter Billingham, last week, and we had a most engaging conversation, including what music I’d have playing at…
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The idea of my husband, best friend, lover, business partner and companion leaving me behind was unbearable. It was my greatest fear. Having had no children, the thought of him dying first and me being left alone in the world was something I simply couldn’t bear. So I didn’t think about it – or when…
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Someone on Facebook said ‘my dad passed away this morning at 3.30am. I’m so relieved he isn’t in pain anymore. I’m so sad at the same time’. Is it really possible to be feeling two such strong feelings at the same time? Once upon a time I would have said no. Now, especially since my…
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It’s difficult, let’s face it. Someone you know has died. Relatives whom you may or may not know will be grieving. You maybe are grieving, too. How on earth do you acknowledge this? Here’s an excerpt from my book Gifted By Grief: A True Story of Cancer, Loss and Rebirth, where I reflect on the…
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What’s grief got to do with love? Well, it’s obvious isn’t it? For instance, there is a very well-known saying from Queen Elizabeth II: “Grief is the price we pay for love.” Because we do grieve much more over those we love, than those we either didn’t know so well, or didn’t know at all.…
Read MoreTrump. Brexit. Loss. Anxiety. Death. Wondering. Waiting. Watching. All words that right now are floating around in my mind, weaving in and out of each other. This morning as I awoke to the news that Donald Trump will be America’s next president, I was strongly reminded of Brexit. I recalled a post I had…
Read MoreOne day, about 2 years after my husband died, I was at a social occasion with a group of friends I’d known for a while. One of them was suffering the aftermath of a recent divorce, seeing her ex-husband on the arms of a younger woman around town. “Sorry”, she said, looking at me…
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