Sylvia Rothschild, the hospice’s Spiritual Lead, discusses the inevitability of grief and how the hospice’s bereavement services, and remembrance events, can help support those dealing with the loss of a loved one.

“When someone we love dies, the universe changes forever. We see normal life going on for everyone else, but somehow we are on a different path, looking on as if from behind a wall. Each of us deals with grief in our own way, but for many of us it can feel lonely - like journeying without a map - and few companions are able to offer us the support or understanding we need.

“When someone we love dies, we have to learn to live alongside our grief, enfolding it into our days and nights, while at the same time learning to live fully, if differently, again. Walking beside you through bereavement

“While everyone navigates their own journey, some things are the same for us all. We are helped by the memories we hold dear of our loved ones. We are helped by giving ourselves time and space to reflect on past, present and future. We are helped by the kind companionship of others – whether we know them well or barely at all. Grief is an experience none of us can hope to escape – it is the inevitable corollary of love, and as the poet Donna Ashworth reminds us – love came first.

“These ideas are wonderfully expressed in one of my favourite poems: ‘There are Stars’ by Hannah Szenes.

“Our hospice offers a bereavement service, open to anyone connected to the person who died under our care. For two years post-bereavement you can simply call us and ask for support in your journey of grief. Some support is practical – our Welfare Team and Social Worker can offer useful advice and guidance. Our Counsellors offer emotional support to help you find the bridge from your life “before” to your life “after”. The Spiritual Care Team offer the warmth of human companionship, helping to nurture and uplift your spirits. Many of you will know of our bereavement drop-in every Wednesday morning where you can come and receive whatever support you seek, meet people on the same journey, relax into acceptance and find a measure of peace.

“The hospice also holds remembrance events throughout the year which allow those who have lost a loved one a chance to pause and reflect.

“Light up a Life, on Sunday 6 December, is our next event. A time to gather together, to remember, to weep and to smile, to be together with others walking the same paths of grief, feeling the warmth and light of the hospice community. We hope to see you there.”