Author Archives: annwae

Happy Birthday Toby

Posted on December 22, 2014 by annwae

Dear Toby, It seems to have become an annual tradition now, writing you a letter on your birthday every year. This year you would be 27 in earth years. It is hard to believe that 27 years ago I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

The greatest gift you’ll get this year is what you already have

Posted on December 4, 2014 by annwae

Usually at this time of year I publish my top ten tips of how to get through Christmas when you have lost a loved one. This year I have been moved to take a different view. If you want to … Continue reading →

Posted in bereavement, Christmas, gratitude, Grief | 4 Comments

Torn between remembering and forgetting

Posted on November 2, 2014 by annwae

This is the conversation that goes on in my head quite regularly. “I feel OK, today quite content really. I feel quite happy, life is good.” “But how can you possibly be happy? Your son is dead. You can’t possibly … Continue reading →

Posted in bereavement, Grief, guilt, Healing, Loss | 13 Comments

A bright shining star

Posted on September 7, 2014 by annwae

So I have had a bit of ‘writer’s block’ this summer, and haven’t written much at all. I was prompted to write something when Robin Williams died and this week I have been touched by the story of a grieving … Continue reading →

Posted in bereavement, Grief, guilt, Healing, Loss, parents, suicide | 2 Comments

Out of tragedy can come change: the other legacy left by Robin Williams

Posted on August 14, 2014 by annwae

This week has been a sad week for many fans who loved Robin Williams from afar, who loved his humour, his films and his spirit. It has been an especially difficult week for those of us who have lost loved … Continue reading →

Posted in bereavement, gratitude, guilt, suicide | 2 Comments

Three years

Posted on July 9, 2014 by annwae

It’s three years today since Toby died. I hate to even write those words. I am on holiday on The Isles of Scilly. I am staying on a tiny island called Brhyer where over every hill is a deserted, white … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Leave Wayne Alone

Posted on June 21, 2014 by annwae

Listen, I don’t like football, don’t watch football and can live with the fact that England didn’t play terribly well and crashed out of the world cup after two games. However I really don’t like the current trend in the … Continue reading →

Posted in suicide | 1 Comment

Rebuilding after the storm

Posted on June 1, 2014 by annwae

Cornwall like a lot of the country was battered by devastating storms this winter. Whole swathes of coastline that had remained largely intact for hundreds of years were battered by relentless waves with a force that could not have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Healing, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Mother’s Day takes on a new significance after the loss of a child

Posted on March 30, 2014 by annwae

After the loss of a child it can be difficult to get through all the special days; birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas. But Mother’s Day is especially difficult. We are surrounded by fluffy images of Mums and children and all our friends … Continue reading →

Posted in Grief, Loss, parents, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Is acceptance the key to recovery?

Posted on February 16, 2014 by annwae

I read a great quote the other day from Michael J Fox, an American actor who seemingly had everything but was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 30. “Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that … Continue reading →

Posted in bereavement, Grief, Healing, Loss, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 3 Comments