Clare Smart. Celebrant and Blogger: Life as a Brain Cancer Carer then Young Widow/Solo Parent
What do you do when dreams bring to light some of your thoughts and questions from your subconscious? Since my late husband died, I have had several confronting, poignant dreams that have prompted me to face truths and emotions. One particularly unsettling dream occurred several times. This is what happened. My recurring dream My late... Continue Reading →
I am proud of my 8 year old daughter. Yesterday she was brave. In the face of loss and grief she chose love, kindness, creativity, compassion and gratitude. She lost her father five years ago to brain cancer when she was just three years old. Her grandfather (my father) died from Alzheimers disease three months... Continue Reading →
While we were out exploring the city today, my children and I happened upon an extensive installation of paper daffodil tributes organised by the Cancer Council as a Field of Hope. Each daffodil had an individual message or drawing of love. It was beautiful. There was no way to ignore it because it covered the... Continue Reading →
Most days I write about and reflect upon emotion-full memories. Frivolity as a counter balance is essential.
Much of the time my son wraps himself in a cloak of caution. Sometimes with extra layers of fear and anger. Wary of the world and life. I have an inkling of why he wears it.
How my young children and I mark each birthday of my late husband Love, loss and gratitude intertwined
When I became a young widow and single mum, I tried to return to my default way of living - before children and before cancer. It was: Achieve, Control, Independence, Busyness. I found that returning to that way of living was impossible. It took me a while to listen to my heart whisper "Surrender and Trust". A... Continue Reading →
Just a few weeks ago when my father was dying, I dropped my kids off to school and before I went to his bedside – I went for a snorkel. It felt incongruous that in the last few days of his life I would choose to play. But I did and I am glad I... Continue Reading →
Allowing chinks in the armor protecting my heart. Dating as a young widow. Also published in Elephant Journal - as "How to Love A Widow"
Rainbows & Rollercoasters 