How are you all?

[chloe40]

I do hope you are all managing okay, I'd love to hear how you are.

The weather in the UK is extremely hot which doesn't help me, how are you coping if this summer weather, wherever you are?

Chloe

[kenster1 Volunteer]

not to bad chloe had my second session of counselling today with cruise bereavement.its good to talk and have someone to listen.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to kenster1]

That's good news Kenny kenster1

It will make such a difference being able to talk everything through, all the best to you and take care.

Chloe

[Greyone]

Hi C40

Just had a severe outbreak of horticulture over the past few weeks and for my pains a few insect bites. Despite that, I do appear to have the weeds on the run.

I think I must be on a covert hunt for the best bereavement book because I've been reading my nomination called overcoming grief by Sue Morris. I've been doing the Identify your barriers exercise.

For the past few months, I've been visiting the crem every Wednesday afternoon and staying as long as I like - it sometimes makes me feel guilty though. But ya know, it's so nice at this time of the year just sitting there, watching the baby squirrels playing. Coincidentally, its the end of the month this weekend so I'm going back to monthly to see how this feels. I like the idea of going when my sister doesn't know. I have this irrational thought that she tells everyone everything about my life. So I'm hoping Sue will sort me out.

Hope you're getting plenty of Sunny Fun. Are you fully mobile yet?

Rgds

G1

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Greyone]

Hi Greyone

Glad to hear you've been keeping yourself busy and sounds like the book is helping you too.

Visiting the Crem is very peaceful, so enjoy it this time of year when you can.

I am mobile but have a bit of a limp sadly, can't walk as far as before but hope it will come.

Chloe

[Nathalie99]

I am sorry to hear about your limp and hope that it gradually gets better. It has been a while...

I am visiting the place I was born at and having a hard time going to cemeteries. I always get very emotional and quite often physically sick afterwards. Feeling like a bad or weak person...

I am having trauma therapy so hopefully I will get stronger.

[GoGo_JoJo in reply to Nathalie99]

You are already strong; the strongest people are able to process their emotions, not simply ignore or push them down, you're just having difficulty in the processing, which is perfectly normal. After all these are not usually emotions we have previously learned to deal with, new things always take time to adjust to.

Reawakening such old memories is bound to have a huge effect on you. I went back to my old home town a few years ago after 28 years, it was such an emotional rollercoaster, but it helped heal old scars in the end.

A weak person would simply have shied away from such an experience.

Only you know if you are good or bad but I suspect that you're more good than you give yourself credit for 👍🏻

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Nathalie99]

Lovely to hear from you Nathalie,

I do hope you find some relief from the therapy, you are NOT weak or bad in any way!

Sending Love and {{{hugs}}} to you, take good care of yourself.

Chloe

[GoGo_JoJo]

I'm enjoying the summer and being very active. I'm a little worried I might be pushing myself a bit too much physically in some sort of self-punishment, although I can't see why.

I still miss my Dad awfully, can't believe it is 5 years, it hits in small waves now and then, yet losing my mother last year brings up other emotions less frequently. I still feel she should have tried harder but she couldn't or wouldn't change.

I miss my dear friend who used to live in the next village. Our visits and lunches out were little peaceful breaks in my weeks.

Another of my close friends is going through an awful time, 2 deaths, broken hip, plus all kinds of stress with a post mortem and investigation. Just awful. Sometimes I just cannot believe the amount of pain and trouble that one person can be asked to deal with, life is incredibly unfair at times. Hopefully we can get together soon.

Enjoy the passing of the seasons, nature has so much beauty for us to enjoy.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Hi GoGo_JoJo

Be kind to yourself Jo and don't overdo it!

You will also miss your Dad but he'll always have a special place in your heart.

So sorry you're missing your friend, she was a very special lady from what you've said, so can understand how much you miss her and now you other friend is suffering. it's a hard life we live.

Sending love

Chloe

[Clarrisa]

The weather has cooled off a bit lately (in California), but air quality not so good. I did manage to plant a apple tree & it has been doing quite well. I also devoted a section of the garden to a memorial area. It is coming along nicely too.

Life isn’t just the same with all the losses you rack up as you age, but you learn to make do over time. Thank you Chloe for asking about us. You are a saint!

[chloe40 Administrator]

Hi Clarrisa

So pleased to hear from you.

Yes, the air quality is not so good in this heat. Lovely that you have planted a memorial section, that's very comforting.

We have to learn as time goes by but it is never easy is it?

And thank so much for your kind words.

Chloe