Torture (verb): The action or practice of inflicting severe pain on someone as a punishment In my processing grief journal, I wrote that losing a child is torture. What I didn’t notice is how so much of it is self-inflicted. …
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Snapshot (noun): An informal photograph taken quickly, typically with a small handheld camera Have you seen this photo of James and me? I’ve come to think of it as the ‘defining’ photo. We have it framed at home, alongside one …
Helpless
Hope (verb): Want something to happen or be the case Caveat: As always, all thoughts, musings, anger are my own. I know that it’s difficult knowing what to say – it’s now four months since Summer passed away and I …
Medical Insensitivity
Salt in the wounds (phrase, informal): To make a difficult situation even worse for someone Let’s be clear from the outset, I love the NHS: Great institution, fantastic values, good and diligent people. Lots of my family and friends work …
Misconceptions
Misconception (noun): A view or opinion that is incorrect because it’s based on faulty thinking or understanding People may think we don’t want to be reminded of their deaths We’re terrified that people will forget People may think there’s not …
12 Weeks
Decision (noun): The action or process of deciding something or of resolving a question We all know the convention: when you’re pregnant, you’re supposed to wait until your baby is 12 weeks to share the happy news. My husband has …
Judgement
Assessed (verb, past tense): Evaluate or estimate the nature, ability or quality of someone The first verbal conversation you have with EVERY SINGLE PERSON after you’ve experienced loss, can bring a lot of anxiety. It’s why my phone might start …
Showered in Love
Save the date:Announcement of an upcoming event, asking the recipient to hold or reserve the mentioned date (Saturday 13th June from 11-2pm) on their calendar Today – right now – should have been my baby shower. With the timing of …
Is Anyone There?
Listen (verb): Take notice of and act on what someone says; respond to advice or a request I’ve felt so low this week. I had to message my boss earlier to say “really sorry, I’m logging off, this week is …
Launch Day
Launch (verb): To start or set in motion Dear actual-real-life, someone-other-than-me reader, So it’s here: Tuesday 9th June 2020, it’s “launch” day for my blog. No party, no fanfare, just a few messages to let friends and family know that …