As some of you may know, my Granny was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer back in August.
Although she lives back home in Northern Ireland, our fab Disposition team has enabled me to fly over every other week, we’ve had more time than we thought we would when she was diagnosed and have said everything we could ever want to say.
I’ve come to realise that however beautiful or “lucky” the end of life journey has been, the grief is still all-consuming at times, and so complex. I bounce between feeling endlessly grateful for the time we have together, feeling cheated that she’s leaving us too soon, feeling guilty for not just appreciating the time we have, feeling drained from thinking all of the above. And that’s while she’s still with us!
What I found to have helped me so far is talking about the things that suddenly trigger grief, no matter how random they seem (watching her open some post and thinking how can she be here reading a letter and soon she won’t?)
I wanted to provide a comfortable and inviting space for those going also going through grief, whether it's anticipatory, recent or historical.
So I’ve started The Grief Collective - a small support group where we’ll gather round my communal table, share stories of our loved ones (if we’re feeling up to it) and talk through the highs and lows we may be feeling, the random triggers that have hit us hard this week. We'll listen, support and learn from each other as we navigate one of life's most challenging journeys. The cosy drinks are, of course, on me.Â
Tickets are free and available to reserve on Eventbrite They’re limited to 10 spaces and the group is likely to evolve over time as we find our feet and I navigate demand and timings.
Love & hugs,
Natalie x