Em’s story
Birthdays, Christmas and other celebrations can be difficult without our loved ones. On her birthday, Em is remembering her Nanna who was cared for at the Hospice.
“On my birthday last year we had no idea this would be my final birthday with my Nanna. I had no idea this year I would be going into my birthday without her. She was more like a second Mum to me. We had no idea she would soon be suffering with a terminal disease which would take her away from us cruelly only months after diagnosis.
I am lucky: I got to say goodbye. Many do not. Seeing someone die is horrific, traumatising but I got to hold her hand. She was old and lived a long life, unlike my friend Dean and many others who lose theirs to illnesses young it still hurts though – grief isn’t linear. She had a long life but not necessarily an easy or happy life.
I am privileged I got to spend so many birthdays with her and so many years with her – many don’t get that chance. Just a note to remind you to send that text, card, all your grandpa, print that photo book out. Take many photos: I wish I had more. Hold your loved ones tight. Squeeze them if you’re lucky enough to see them. Tell them you love them because things can change really quickly. I had no idea this would be our last meal together.
And I have to shout about St Gemma’s Hospice from the rooftops: they gave my Nanna a comfortable final 10 days of life. We celebrated her birthday. They gave her jelly & ice cream. They gave us a place to cry, to hold her hand. They do god’s work, angels from heaven.”
If you are struggling with grief, you can find helpful resources here – www.st-gemma.co.uk/bereavement-support