18 tcf.org.uk COMPASSION | YOUR STORIES & POEMS I held a party the other week and grief came. She wasn’t invited but she came anyway - barged her way in through the door and settled down like she was here to stay. And then she introduced me to the friends she’d brought with her - Anger. Fear. Frustration. Guilt. Hopelessness. And they sang in the loudest voices, took up space in every corner of the room and spoke over anyone else that tried to talk. They made it messy and loud and uncomfortable. But finally, they left. And long afterwards, when I was all alone, I realised there was still someone here. Quietly clearing up after the rest. I asked who she was and she told me, “Love.” And I assumed that’s why she looked familiar - because I had met her before. “Or perhaps,” she said, “it’s because I’ve been here the whole time.” And I was confused then because I hadn’t seen her all evening. But when I looked more closely, when I looked into her eyes, I realised quietly that she had been here. All the time. She’d just been dressed as grief. Afterparty Shared by Becky Hemsley Tread slowly As you walk with grief; Speed does not help the journey. Walk quietly Pausing often; Do not hurry As you walk with grief. Don’t be disturbed By memories that come to mind Swiftly hold them And let the unspoken words Be resolved with love. Be kind to the one Who walks with grief. If it is you, Be gentle on yourself Swiftly forgive; Walk quietly Pausing often. Take time, be gentle As you walk with grief Walk with Grief Shared by Andrea Corrie (adapted from the Northumbria Community)
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