Clare Smart. Celebrant and Blogger: Life as a Brain Cancer Carer then Young Widow/Solo Parent
My children love hosting Christmas. It is wondrous to me that they do. Two special men will be missed. This will be the tenth Christmas that we have hosted without my late husband, Mick. The fourth Christmas since Dad passed. Their absence will be deeply felt amongst the frivolity. We continue to celebrate with Mick's... Continue Reading →
There are often many people at a funeral who desperately want to tangibly help and support the bereaved family but they are not sure what they can do. Especially long lost friends, distant family, old work colleagues etc. At the time of the funeral, the bereaved family are usually well supported by their closest friends... Continue Reading →
I think about what could have been if it wasn't for brain cancer. Where would we be? How would we as a couple have fared? How would our relationship have grown and deepened? What do I miss? It is easier to think about all the things I dont miss. Smelly feet. Sweaty unwashed gym gear.... Continue Reading →
As a terminal cancer carer, how to remain grounded and practice self care but at the same time remain linked to everyone and keep everyone updated?
I carry a tight bundle of questions and concerns about raising my young children without their late father. All the worries have spun into knots held deep within. In the past few weeks I have felt some of the knots loosen and unravel. Yet again, I have been overcome with relief as different people have... Continue Reading →
When I gave my late husband, Mick, a pair of thongs (flip-flops) for Christmas I had no idea that they would become one of the most loathed objects in my life. So much so, that three and half years later when Mick died from brain cancer, I immediately collected the thongs and hurled them into... Continue Reading →
(Also published on Women's spiritual poetry blog) If I could step back in time to the day when my young husband (36 years of age) was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, what would I tell myself? What would I tell the ambitious, independent, achievement focused, busy young woman who was trying to balance starting a family... Continue Reading →
I had always hoped that I was psychologically strong enough, resilient enough and optimistic enough to cope with life's challenges without needing to see a counsellor. However, when a curveball of cancer knocked my young family off course, I conceded after some time that I needed to subdue my ego and seek counselling. Counselling sessions became a... Continue Reading →
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 →
Rainbows & Rollercoasters 