Compassion Magazine Winter 2022

Winter 2022 - Compassion | www.tcf.org.uk 19 And so in April 2020 we lost our beautiful and sensitive son, who brought so much love to the world, despite his cruel illness. Everything Dan did, he carried out with extraordinary care, thoughtfulness and creativity, and these qualities are now forever reflected in my precious souvenir. Dan’s leaf sits on my desk as a constant and tangible reminder of his love and bond with me – one which is renewed almost daily: every time I see it and trace with my fingers the undulation of the leaf where his hand has shaped the wood. To Dan, a leaf symbolised the living world and nature as the primary reality, and it is represented in his graphic (shown here) which he used widely. His motto was a gentle reminder to ‘Stay Rooted’ through the joys and trials of life, and his leaf on my desk is a constant presence to that end. In memory of our son, Dan Sterling, February 7th 1997 – April 26th 2020. His life, light and love with us always. by Stephen Sterling It is the gift of HOPE which reigns supreme in the attributes of the Compassionate Friends. HOPE that life can still be worth living and meaningful. HOPE that the pain of loss will become less acute, and above all else, the HOPE that we do not walk alone, and that we are understood. The gift of HOPE is the greatest gift that we can give to those who mourn. Rev. Simon Stephens Founder of The Compassionate Friends