Summer Nights (song): A popular song from the musical Grease. Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, its best-known version was recorded by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John Summer loving had me a blast Summer loving happened so fast I …
The Deathbed
Going full circle (Anjulie-ism, made up phrase): To be born and to die on the same date Because my dad passed away when I was 11 years old, I started working backwards, from my own deathbed. I started making decisions …
Out Loud
Sheltered (adjective): Protected from difficulties or unpleasant realities I’ve been vocal about baby loss… From the privacy of my own home. I’ve written about how it all feels… From the security of my desk and computer monitor. I’ve touched people …
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 …
Grief Disguised
Disguise (verb): Give a different appearance in order to conceal one’s identity We all know so little about grief. We know it’s not linear, that it can hit you at any time. But I think the majority of us who …
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 …