Dilys’s story

The total isolation we felt, as parents of a happy and successful son who took his own life abroad, just cannot be summed up in a few words.

Talking to bereaved parents on the TCF forum has helped me to come to terms with the shame, grief and anger that I have experienced since 2012. Just knowing that we are not alone. Feeling the love and compassion flowing from other parents. Giving back sympathy and encouragement to those who need it.

We felt so alone, even though we have supportive families and friends. They were also shocked and grieving and looked to us for answers. We had none. I worry about our little grandson, growing up with the knowledge that his Daddy left him at the age of five. These sentiments have been expressed by other grandparents, on the forum.

Every bereaved parent asks ‘why?’ We search for answers and gradually realise that even if we know why our precious children have been taken from us, whether through illness or an accident, knowing the answer will not bring them back.

I feel as if I know some of the parents I have come to empathise with and my gratitude to all of them is immense.

Thank you TCF for helping me to start to ‘live’ again, I will always be grateful for your unstinting support, at a time of great sorrow.