Coming to terms with losing Mum

On Sunday 12th July, my beautiful, courageous Mum lost her battle with brain cancer. She was being nursed at home by my Dad, myself and my brother and sister. A care team also came in throughout the day. We were fortunate enough to have her home and were able to spend precious time with her and tell her how much we loved her. Her passing was difficult, but we were all stood with her and I held her hand. I had always wanted to share a concert dvd with her when she was home, but I knew it would be too difficult, as  the songs would make me cry. When Mum was in her final hours we played it for her, so that she had a peaceful, calm environment and we dimmed the lights. 
I am truly heartbroken. My love for her was and is unconditional, She meant everything to me, I have kept myself busy the last two weeks, arranging Mum's funeral, which was yesterday. It went perfectly and the sun shone brightly ithrough the chapel window.

Everyone thinks that I am coping tremendously well, as I appear outwardly to be strong. I feel like I have been grieving since the day I was told of Mum's terminal diagnosis. My husband has told me to stay in bed all day today and rest. I know Mum would want me to carry on and live my life, but I honestly feel like part of me died two weeks ago too. I also lost my Grandma three years ago on the 13th July 2017. I knew Grandma would come for Mum. They were both the most inspirational women I have ever known. I'm lucky enough to be at home for the next four weeks, so I have time to grieve. Does it ever get easier? I feel like I've become a different person. I'm just trying to make sense of the situation. I have no anger, I do believe Mum was needed elsewhere. She knew how much I loved her and I'd like to think I made her life happy and made her proud. 
Would appreciate any advice on how to cope through these early days, or if someone else is experiencing a recent loss, 

Thank you in advance ️
Sarah x

  • Hi Alison,

    Thank you so much for replying to my post. Firstly, I want to offer my condolences to you for what you have been through and say how sorry I am for your loss. 
    Your journey sounds so very similar to mine. On the night Mum passed I told her that Grandma and Grandad would be waiting for her and she had to let go. I too did not like to see my Mum suffer and felt it was time that she was at peace. I loved Mum so much, she was my best friend. 
    Like you, I found the courage to read through all our texts. I had even sent Mum a video of me and the children in lockdown a week before she got ill. I could see in our texts there was a lot of love and although I will admit,I cried quite a bit, it gave me comfort. 
    You should feel very proud that as a nurse you looked after both patients in need and your Mum throughout such difficult times. I worked full time from home teaching online and planning. I looked after Mum throughout the night. 
    We were very lucky to be able to spend time looking after our Mums and I'm sure they took great comfort from having us by their sides when they passed. I felt very privileged and will always be grateful that we got to be together. 
    Sending you love and hope you are doing as well as is possible after going through such sadness. I have had a few pretty bad days this week. I'm guessing this is very normal. 
    Take care of yourself too and see how you go on your return to work. I will too. 
    Best wishes 

    Sarah xx