Clare Smart. Celebrant and Blogger: Life as a Brain Cancer Carer then Young Widow/Solo Parent
How many years can you operate in overdrive before finding that your energy tank (both physical and emotional energy) is at or close to empty? And then how long does it take to recover and refuel? I started considering these questions in my second year of grief. My body had minimal energy and all that was possible was the most... Continue Reading →
When you have young children, you meet people all the time through playgroups/daycare and then another new community when children start school. It is a time in your life when you usually share a lot of information about yourself to build friendships and support networks. You disclose what you do for work, how you live and from that you find commonalities. My husband and I had a significant difference to other parents that we met. We were riding the terminal brain cancer roller coaster.
Acupuncture became essential in keeping me well while balancing three challenging roles: brain cancer carer , mother of a newborn and a toddler Corporate Commercial Manager and then as a young widow and single parent. At different stages I developed chronic eczema on my face, alopecia (bald spots with hair falling out), tight muscles in my neck and shoulders,... Continue Reading →
It took me several years to acknowledge the residual anger that I had following the diagnosis of my husband with brain cancer and his eventual death. I was a young widow with two young children and the life that I had envisaged was no longer possible. I had layer upon layer of anger that I resisted expressing.... Continue Reading →
A few days ago I returned to a beautiful bay beach that has always had a little magic for me. It is in a National Park and is accessed by walking in several kilometres though bush full of wildflowers, tall gnarled eucalyptus gums with dusty deep pink bark, sandstone cliffs and vibrant green ferns. When you arrive there... Continue Reading →
Accepting that just like there can be "four seasons in one day"when grieving there can be "many emotions in one day".
As each year has gone by since my husband passed, I have asked myself many questions: Will grief get any easier? Will the pain and hurt lessen? Will my energy return? Will I really and truly belly laugh again and enjoy a moment that is not bittersweet? Am I on track? Is it ok that... Continue Reading →
"I don’t have time to cry or sit with my emotions right now. I have too much to do and my family to look after. "
Rainbows & Rollercoasters 