27th May 1982. That’s the day that little Pax died, age 3, from a genetic blood condition. His last hours were spent in a public hospital in Bhopal, India. I was only 22 when Pax was born. That seems young, looking back. I have missed Pax my entire adult life. I have often written and…
A reflection on however much we may empathise with others, we don’t see life through their eyes, and just as truly, nobody should try to interpret our life through their own. We each have to walk in our shoes and find our own path. With all of the talk about ‘walking a mile in someone’s…
We have ancestors – those who lived in the generations before us. We might have descendants – children born to us, and their children after them. Ancestors have died. This is the expected ‘natural’ course of events. But we don’t expect our descendants to die before us. This is not the expected ‘natural’ course of…
Are there some things that are making your grief harder to bear? External factors can make our lives even more difficult. Grief is hard enough in itself. The memories that come unbidden; the ache of loss and loneliness; the unanswered questions. Thoughts that filter through our minds; emotions that arrived unexpectedly; dreams that disturb. Reminders…
(A post written by a woman for women.) Catherine My daughter was a womanYoung, pretty and kindAlways ready to befriendThose who had a need.My daughter was a womanWith loves and dreamsShe liked to cookEnjoyed her bikeListened to musicWanted to nurse.My daughter was a womanPlease note I write was –My daughter was a womanWhose life was too…
Grief can be so overwhelming. It’s not something we have a choice about either – on occasion grief comes at us, full force, not unlike the strong waves that hit the shore during a winter storm. The incessant force of the water slowly wears away the shoreline, until paths and even buildings are washed away.…
Part 5 of a series of articles on creative ways of coping with grief Does art speak to you? Do you visit art galleries? Are there any pictures, cartoons or paintings that describe your grief? We don’t always need words to express our emotions. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. ‘Oak…
(A post for widows, widowers and anyone who has been bereaved of their spouse or partner.) Every supermarket seems to be selling a Valentine’s Day ‘Dine at Home’ offer this year. Starters, main course, sides, dessert and wine – for two. For two. But what if you’re only one? What if you have been two…
A Valley Journal 
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