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For grieving someone who is still here. Talk with people in Colombia who know what it is like, find help near you, and join the worldwide circle too. Free, always.
Next gathering in the Colombia circle: Weekly check-in ยท
โIf you're scared right now, I get it. In 2023, that was me. I remember every visit could be the last like it was yesterday. I picked up the guitar again. You've got this, even if it doesn't feel like it.โ
โTo whoever needs this: I was in the same place nearly four years ago. I remember when guilt for wishing it was over, like it was yesterday. Last month I had people round for dinner. The bad days get further apart. One day at a time.โ
โIf you're just starting this, the one thing I'd say is: don't wait for the perfect moment to say what you need to say. My dad was still cracking jokes about the football two days before he went. I nearly didn't tell him I loved him because I thought there'd be another visit. There wasn't. And don't feel bad about planning the funeral early. It doesn't mean you've given up. It just means you're trying to make things easier for everyone later. Also, take the unpaid leave if you can. Work will still be there.โ
โWhen my dad went into palliative care, I thought I had to be strong. I didn't. The waiting is the worst part. You don't have to fill every silence. Just be there. If you need to cry, cry in the car. If you need to laugh at something stupid on TV, laugh. It's not betrayal. Your person is still here. That's what matters. Don't plan too far ahead. Just get through today, then tomorrow. That sounds like something off a fridge magnet but it's the only thing that works. And find someone to talk to, even if it's just online. You're not the only one going through this.โ