This month marks the heart wrenching anniversary of losing my brother and a daughter, both of whom passed on the same date. If I wasn’t feeling bad enough, I’ve now just lost my rock!

I am telling you this because I’m an ordinary person like you. However much I cry, however devastated and empty I feel, I still have to take the lead in my life. However much pain, emotional and physical, I still have the bills to meet and the mortgage to pay.

So how am I coping? Well firstly I allow myself to cry, as opposed to trying to stem the tears. I am mindful that I’m fragile, so I’ve re-organised dental appointments etc to limit the time I need to look composed and exchange pleasantries; the outside world is stark, almost too bright when grieving…

But, I am blessed to have a perfect daughter and a caring partner, both of whom are keeping an eye on me.

I had an important meeting the following day, after losing my rock. So, I called my client to tell them what had happened “off camera”; this gave me a cushion of much needed slack.

I am taking lots of breaks throughout the day. I am listening to Bowie & Bob Marley. I am kissing, or more accurately, smothering my puppy in kisses – she is lending me many a loving paw. I am talking to close friends. I’m trying to relax, against a truly chopped-up jelly head…
And, above all, I am remembering how important love is and how we must cherish and spend time with all those we love, because, tomorrow is never promised!