Clare Smart. Celebrant and Blogger: Life as a Brain Cancer Carer then Young Widow/Solo Parent
Almost a year after after Mick died our son, our eldest, started primary school. He was excited to start and I knew the structure and learning would be of great support to him. A good distraction from grief and all the upheaval that we were trying to adjust to in a new stage of our... Continue Reading →
How I supported my young children in their grief by listening, adapting and utilsing play therapy.
Sympathy cards were comforting - and they were also jarring reminders of my new reality. I felt numb following my husband's funeral. Although the brain cancer rollercoaster ride had ended - I was not ready to disembark from the ride and face all the aspects of loss. I was shaken. I was afraid that if I stood... Continue Reading →
Accepting that just like there can be "four seasons in one day"when grieving
there can be "many emotions in one day".
The kids and I miss my late husband every day. We feel his absence. So many triggers. Yet I am grateful for all the memories and the moments. Even though it hurts. I'm grateful for the love. Grief is missing. And Missing is Love. "I believe in missing things. I enjoy the feeling of missing. It doesn't have to imply... Continue Reading →
A list of some of my favourite books & blogs. But first... Support groups didn't work for me during the different phases of my journey as a brain cancer carer and then young widow and single mum. Mick and I did not have the time or the headspace to join a brain cancer support group... Continue Reading →
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 →
"It took me three years to develop my own model or interpretation of my journey with grief when I found a photo of a labyrinth"
When my husband died, I felt numb and trepidation at the thought of being with grief and facing many dimensions of loss.
This is what I heard deep within - whenever I had a moment to listen.
Rainbows & Rollercoasters 