It’s coming up to November 2nd – All Soul’s Day – a day when many of us will visit loved one’s graves to remember them, although in some traditions this might have taken place on October 31st. (“All Hallow’s Eve”, more commonly referred to as Halloween.) As Wikipedia helpfully explains, “All Souls’ Day commemorates All Souls, the Holy…
3rd July 2021 is National Bereaved Parents Day. The theme this year is “Keeping their memory alive”. (Visit The Compassionate Friends for more on this.) This post is dedicated to all those who have sadly experienced the death of their child or children. I am a bereaved parent myself – both of my children –…
Remembering with love I heard your voice in the wind todayand I turned to see your face;The warmth of the wind caressed meas I stood silently in place. I felt your touch in the sun todayas its warmth filled the sky;I closed my eyes for your embraceand my spirit soared high. I saw your eyes…
It’s 23rd March today, and here in the UK, we are marking a National Day of Reflection. It’s meant to be an opportunity to reflect on those who have died and also to connect and support those who are grieving. You can find out more here: National Day of Reflection | Marie Curie I…
A reflection for All Souls. It’s odd, isn’t it, how death can make the headlines and dominate the news, but days later, seems to be all but forgotten in the public consciousness. I was looking back at an article I wrote on this topic about 5 years ago. Around that time, a German plane had…
I came across this beautiful poem. It needs no explanation. On The Death Of The Beloved — John O’Donohue Though we need to weep your loss, You dwell in that safe place in our hearts, Where no storm or night or pain can reach you. Your love was like the dawn Brightening over our lives…
A post dedicated to those who might be feeling confused and even overwhelmed as they struggle to the navigate the journey through grief following multiple losses. Our church held a general memorial service awhile back. This was primarily for those who had lost a loved one in the past 2 years, although others were also…
Another post on my own story and how I got to where I am now. It was 1970. The place was Booth Hall Children’s Hospital in Manchester. I was about 13. My problem had started with a swollen stiff knee. After further tests, inflammatory arthritis was diagnosed. There was some damage inside the knee, severe…
A Valley Journal 
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