Compassion, Autumn 2020

Autumn 2020 - Compassion | www.tcf.org.uk 4 Reflections from the Editor Dear Friends These past months have been extraordinary, and I’ve been thinking of you all, particularly those of you who have been bereaved in the past year and those whose child has died during lockdown. There are no words to describe the abyss in which you may be finding yourself. Just remember that your TCF friends are here for you and we’ve all been through it, and however black life looks, you will survive. We were also devastated to learn of the death recently of a much loved and valued volunteer, Robert Treadgold from a rare disease. Andrew, in his Thoughts from the Chair, remembers him and all he did for TCF. We’ve all reacted to lockdown in different ways. Some of you have been relieved that you didn’t have to go out into the world and make conversation with those who don’t understand. Others have felt isolated and very alone in their grief….. many of you have told me that going out for a walk has been an enormous help as has being able to spend time in the garden. Thank goodness for on-line zoom meetings organised by our amazing staff and volunteers, also for our website with such helpful advice and information. I directed a recently bereaved mum to one of our specialist Facebook groups and she has found it a great comfort. It is such a relief to be able to put down your thoughts and feelings, however bizarre or desperate and know that someone who understands will answer you. Do think about joining one if you haven’t already. It’s important for you to know that you’re not alone. I’ve become a grief companion during lockdown, and knowing that I am using my experience to help support a recently bereaved parent, has helped me greatly. If you want to find out more about this with a view to becoming a Grief Companion, or to request a Grief Companion if you are under two years bereaved, details are on our website at tcf.org.uk . Click on Find Support then on Grief Companions. Perhaps you’ve been reading one of the TCF Library books that our wonderful librarian, Mary Hartley, has been sending out. I’ve been reading ‘Eggshells’ by Bryan Clover. This is an excellent book. Bryan has the courage to put down exactly how he feels. Strong emotions are part of the grieving process and I agree with Bryan when he says it is much better to let yourself become aware of these emotions Gina Claye