Compassion, Autumn 2020

Autumn 2020 - Compassion | www.tcf.org.uk 5 and acknowledge them rather than bury them. As he puts it: ’If you know why you are doing something that isn’t helpful to your mental health, then you have started helping yourself get through it.’ It is a book that recounts what Bryan has learned on his journey as a bereaved dad, and offers hope and the knowledge that you are not alone. I strongly recommend this book, both to bereaved dads and mums. Bryan has also written an article in this edition entitled ‘To me’. It is a letter written to his newly bereaved self after over two years of having lost his beloved daughter, Evie. We are hoping that it will inspire you to write your own letter to your newly bereaved self and send to us for future editions of Compassions. Right… venturing out after lockdown… A very kind neighbour has been doing my shopping for me up to now as I’ve been shielding. Hopefully I’ll begin to remember the days of the week again, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday etc instead of this day, that day, next day, the day before, the other day, last day, the day after… Bet you had difficulty remembering which day it was too. Wherever you are in your grief journey remember to be gentle with yourself and take good care of yourself. I must now pull myself together and get on with the day… as you will see from the poem I wrote a while ago… With my love to you all, Gina (Nikki and Robin’s Mum) Carpe Diem - Seize the Day A new day is an opportunity not to be missed, I must make a list, There are so many things to be done; First, I’ll put the kettle back on. I need another cup of tea, just of course for energy. Next, there’s that last piece of blackberry tart then I really will make a start. It’s not that I’m lazy or slacking, deep down I want to get cracking. I’ll get round to things soon and seize the afternoon. Gina Claye from Don’t Let Them Tell You How to Grieve. Available from www.tcf.org.uk/books