When you know somebody is ill you are always expecting 'the phonecall'. My mum rang this morning and i knew straight away before she even said that my auntie had died during the night. She was well into her 90's and whenever i spoke to her over the last couple of years she was always telling me that she was "ready to go". Some years ago she put all her affairs in order, and i believe she has already pre-arranged and paid for her funeral, obviously in readiness for this day.


It is understandably upsetting when anybody dies - the closer they are to you the more upsetting it is. My auntie was a good person, always willing to help others and always wanting to know the good things happening in our lives, especially where my daughter was concerned.

A colleague at work the other day told me how her father was very ill and it brought back memories for me of my dad before he died. No doubt this will do the same. My 4 year old daughter has had to come to terms with loss at an early age, my dad died when she was just a couple of months old, so she grew up with us speaking about him. Then my wifes gran died, our dog (my daughters pet)died and then today my great aunt. Nothing will prepare her for the day when one of us passes away which (touch wood) will be many many years away but she has already asked the awkward questions the hows and whys and understands a little about mortality and how important it is to spend time with people as they wont always be around.

You do your best to protect your child from upset and the bad things that happen in life, but this is one thing that you can only try to prepare them for. My suggesion for anybody who has gone through any loss such as this and is struggling to cope would be to get in touch with a grief counsellor which your doctor will be able to refer you to.

james


james