SIBBS Newsletter Autumn 2022

SIBBS Newsletter, Autumn 2022 | www.tcf.org.uk 6 talk or treat you after your sibling passes or the different types of emotions you feel and don’t feel. Living with the loss of a sibling can sometimes feel isolating, but these group discussions and my time at the retreat lead to me feeling much less alone. Talking about my sister and everything which happened seemed to flick a switch, I felt free, as though my mindset had completely changed which I did not expect at all. As another member at the retreat spoke about a feeling of acceptance, I realised I resonated with a lot of what she said. For years I found it extremely difficult to talk, think, write about or look at a photo of my sister, it was something I thought would never change. But just before going to the retreat and the past few months after, I’ve come to realise that I may also now be in a mind frame of acceptance. As awful as it was to lose my sister and still is, I know that keeping her a secret from people I know and those I don’t isn’t going to help. I want to talk about her and everything she was, she lived 20 years on this earth and created so many memories that deserve to be talked about. My time at the retreat reinforced that no matter what stage you’re at in your journey, it’s never too late to attend these types of retreats. I’m extremely glad I pushed myself to go, I met some incredible people who without realising have changed my life for the better. So, to anyone who may be questioning going, or those who feel anxious about it (like me) I would say go for it, you’re in the best place with the best people. Nothing beats the feeling of being surrounded by others who understand exactly how you feel and what you’re going through every second, minute, hour, day, month, and year.