Helena’s mother Sheila died this afternoon. It was expected. Last week Helena was with Sheila at the hospital as end of life plans were agreed. It’s been fast. The projected months turned into weeks then days. Helena and her brother were there when Sheila died.
The death of a parent is hard. It’s disorientating, devastating and it hurts so much it can be a pain so great it goes beyond feeling to numbness. You know it will happen, but nothing can really prepare you for its finality.
Or maybe finality is the wrong word. Helena loved her mother and showed it in so many ways, including supporting her through her cancer diagnosis, treatment, recurrence, as well as humour, company and honesty. I knew Sheila a little. We marched side by side to protest against Brexit. Citizen Sheila, Helena called her. Sheila carried an anti-Brexit banner home after one of those marches. I expect it’s still in her house.
Continue reading