By Helen, whose mum died at the age of 57 from cancer, just 11 weeks after diagnosis
1. Life is for living and so, so short. Step away from drama and the little things that just don't matter.
2. Time is not a healer, grief does not pass, it is a state you remain in. People tell you it gets easier, it gets easier to manage but the pain is no easier with time, in fact it is worse, more they are missing out on, more you are missing out on, with them. Milestones, advice, hugs, bickering. I've become a marvelous actor!
3. Nights are bittersweet, time to think too much and weep but also time to dream and forget that they're gone.
4. Those who I expected to be my absolute rocks and care have disappeared and those I least expected have my back. Relationships certainly change.
5. Life does go on but it is forever tarnished.
About Helen Bridge
"My name is Helen Bridge, my mum died 6 years ago on 7th March 2015. I have two young children and an amazing husband. Mum started to lose feeling in her legs and couldn't walk by December 2014. After many doctors and A&E visits, Mum was finally admitted to hospital on 18th December 2014 where she had radiotherapy and care. She returned home in February 2015. Mum died at home on 7th March 2015 just where she wanted to be looking out at the spring flowers in her beloved garden. My dad, brother and I cared for her until she died, along with our three aunts and the amazing Garden House Hospice at Home Team. My mum was the most caring, selfless person, she radiated kindness and would do anything for anyone, such an amazing role model, she lost her own mum when she was just 23 and lived life to the full. Active, playing netball and badminton until she was too ill to do so. The warm lively heart and soul of our family.”
You can follow Helen on Instagram, @helenlewisbridge
