Childless Parents Newsletter, Spring 2022

Newsletter for Childless Parents | www.tcf.org.uk 3 Catherine was 30 when she died. She was a kind, generous young woman. In recognising the meaning of our children’s lives, we just might find meaning in our own. That might be through honouring our children’s memories and discovering the breadth of the legacies they have left us. That might be through helping others, as we recognise just how tough it is to cope with grief. And it might be through other ways of embracing the life we still have, such as enjoying a walk in the spring. That’s what has happened to me. The life I’m living now is not what I expected or wanted, but it is no longer meaningless. Yes, there are times of deep sadness – and I’m sure Pax’s anniversary in May is going to be particularly poignant. But my life has also found meaning, largely motivated by wanting to honour the memories of Pax and Catherine. This has been partly through editing TCF leaflets (and the guest editorship of this newsletter), partly through my own ‘Living with Loss’ project, yet also through enjoying life, such as nature, walking, music and craft activities. Keeping busy has been key to my survival, but I find the busyness needs to be balanced with finding relaxing, even restful, ways of spending my time. I hope that the sharing of experiences, poems and other material in this newsletter will help you through another season of your loss. Abi May, Pax and Catherine’s mum Pax was 3 when he died. He was a gentle little boy, and proud to be a big brother to Catherine.