COMPASSION 212 Summer 2022

Summer 2022 - Compassion | www.tcf.org.uk 4 Reflections from the Editor Dear Friends One thing I remember in particular after I lost my daughter, and then my son, was the solace I found from being in my garden. Although many years apart, they both died in March and so for the spring and summer that followed each loss, I was able to open the back door and be out in nature. Yes, I went for walks, but on days when overcome with grief, I could hardly put one foot in front of the other, just to be able to plonk myself down with a cup of tea or coffee in my garden was such a relief. The apple tree was coming into beautiful pink blossom and particularly on the 30th of April which was Robin’s birthday. The yellow poppies were springing up again all around. Now and again I would get up and do a little weeding but some days I didn’t feel up to even that. I took to watching the birds come and go, always conscious of the sun and wind on my face. I always had a notepad and biro with me and started to jot words down: the breath of wind on my face the sound of birdsong the hard-edged crags of grief let me be with you the dawn of the new day Being able to put down words that expressed my feelings or described what was happening around me, was a great relief and I have continued to do this ever since. I think it helps us if we find something that our mind can concentrate on, whether it’s writing poems, a journal, quilting, knitting, crocheting, running, walking, gardening… anything that gives our mind a break from grief. I hope you have found something that brings you relief. It might help a newly bereaved person to read what helps you, so do write and tell us. I’ll finish with the poem, I am There, that came out of those notes I jotted down sitting in my garden. With my love to you all, Gina Claye, Nikki and Robin’s mum Gina Claye