THANK YOU!

As we enter February, the third month since the Tears, Tools and Treasure collaboration began, I want to thank all the mums and dads who have contributed so far. I do not underestimate how hard writing your pieces has been, especially for those in (relatively) early grief…which, as we know, goes on for a long time. But of course, in reality, mourning for our cherished sons or daughters will continue for the rest of our lives, which means that writing about this loss will always be painful, however many years ago our children died.

What a variety of ‘tools’ each writer has found to help them travel through the tragedy of losing a child. All so different, and yet behind each and every one of these, a strong theme stands out: how vital it is to find others who can witness the intense grief and be present for us, well beyond the first few days, months and years. It has been wonderful to see how we’ve been able to add to these important support systems by making connections with each other too.

Finally, I’ve personally found it incredibly helpful to hear how parents have so beautifully honoured their children, in the lives they are now living. Of course, we never move on. Instead, we make the courageous choice to move forwards, finding our own unique ways to maintain the loving connection with our child, which will continue for the rest of our lives. Hearing how others are doing this has validated me in my own process, and in how I maintain an unbreakable bond with my darling son, Dom.

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When I began this collaboration, at the beginning of December, I worried that I was setting myself an unrealistic goal, committing to publish 3 posts a week. But, with your help, this has been achieved, for 2 months solid. I am so grateful to you all for helping me to deliver on my promise. This collection now numbers an amazing 27 posts, and there are others still being edited, ready for publication.

Going forward, it’s my intention to keep this space open for these, and future contributions, publishing the pieces as they are ready. This will mean fewer a week, and so I will be changing the introduction to the posts to reflect this. Please be assured that I will continue to add any pieces from parents who have not yet completed theirs, and that the Tools, Tears and Treasure Substack will always remain permanently within my main website, as a free resource for any bereaved parents.

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My original Substack, ‘Losing My Son To Suicide, Hope, Healing and Joy’, on which I have continued to publish fortnightly posts alongside the T T & T collaboration, will be returning to my usual one post a week soon. Starting mid February, I have a new ‘project’ planned which I’m in equal parts excited and nervous about! I look forward to the big reveal, as well as regularly connecting with you on our many Substacks.

Sending love to everyone

Esther x