Compassion, Summer 2020

Summer 2020 - Compassion | www.tcf.org.uk 5 even anything done some days. I’m learning to be gentle with myself. Just like many of you further along this road, I’ve been through such a lot in my life and survived; I’m still surviving and appreciating those things that I do have, particularly my garden, where I’m spending a lot of time weeding and planting as well as sitting drinking cups of tea. I also enjoy knitting, reading, writing and of course, watching Tele - don’t we all! Thank goodness for social media: FaceTime, zoom meetings and of course emails - lots and lots of them. They keep me in touch with friends and family and of course my wonderful TCF family who are always there for me. I find a bit of humour helps too. A friend sent me the following which made my day: ‘On average, a Panda feeds for approximately 12 hours a day. This is the same as an adult at home under quarantine, which is why it’s called a “Pandemic”.’ She also sent me some humorous lines on Lockdown which you can find later on in this edition. And the hairdresser’s shop is shut! Have you tried cutting your own hair? Especially if you rely on a six weekly cut to keep it in shape. I can just about manage to trim the front, I’m hacking the sides, but the back…!!! When you’re feeling really low, you need to talk to someone who understands, another bereaved parent or sibling. It really helps to talk, to express those thoughts and feelings which are running round in your head and ruling your life. Don’t repress them. Get them out. Ring another bereaved mum, dad or sibling; they’ll probably be very glad to share their ups and downs with you too. If you are on one of our facebook pages you will know how helpful that can be. If you want to join one of our facebook pages email info@tcf.org.uk . You can always ring our helpline on 0345 123 2304 . Many of you have found going on our website at tcf.org.uk very helpful too, where you can read how others are going through this pandemic. It helps to know you’re not alone. And back with potatoes again. Further down the sack I found… well you can see from the photo. I couldn’t believe it. But how appropriate. It shows our love for our child and our child’s love for us, and this continuing love will help us get through it all, now and for the years to come. With my love to you all, Gina (Nikki and Robin’s Mum)