As expected, this week has been a stormy one on the grief front. With the memories of ‘this time last year’ becoming increasingly painful and the anniversary of Jessica’s death now just a couple of days away, my emotions have been very up and down. I knew this week would be a tough one. It’s… Read More
“How do I survive this?!” It’s a question I’ve screamed out many times over the past year. In those moments when I am blinded by tears, overwhelmed and broken by the pain of life without Jessica, I wonder how on earth I can possibly keep going on. And yet I do. Here I am, almost… Read More
In those first awful moments after Jessica died, I remember sitting with her, stroking her hair and asking her to send me little signs to let me know that she was still with me in some way. It may be just wishful thinking on my part, but I am sure that I see robins, white… Read More
The one phrase I probably use most often to describe Jessica is ‘joy-carrier’. She truly was a little ray of sunshine – full of big smiles and spreading happiness wherever she went. Even when she was in hospital, she still managed to give those beautiful smiles. Her strength and sweet nature inspired me then and… Read More
This time last year we were heading off on our very last family holiday with Jessica. We’d decided to go to the Isle of Wight so we could have a quiet holiday, knowing that Jessica was struggling with energy levels. We spent a week in a little bubble – taking things easy, enjoying time together.… Read More
Jessica’s forever bed is in a beautiful woodland burial site. As the surroundings are all very natural, there are quite strict restrictions about memorials and what can be placed at grave sites. We can leave cut flowers on her grave as long as there is no wrapping on them and we are allowed to have… Read More
Dealing with someone else’s grief is something that many people are uncomfortable with, especially when it comes to child loss. Many people don’t really know what to say, or to do. As a bereaved parent, I’ve been on the receiving end of a whole range of comments and reactions. Some of them are helpful, some… Read More