16 Comments

This is such a useful resource Amy, beautifully written. It’s such a gift to others going through similar journeys. It’s so important we talk about this stuff 💕

Expand full comment

Thank you so much Kate fot taking the time to read it and comment. I found recommendations and listening to others about their experiences really helpful. Particularly because you can choose when you who and what you want to hear if know what I mean.

Expand full comment

Yes it’s good to know you’re not alone, even if the experience is unique to you. And to be sensitive to yourself, inevitably others won’t always have the capacity or do or say the right thing. 💕

Expand full comment

What a beautiful piece Amy. I’m so, so sorry. We’re in the same club, this month marks (unbelievably) 7 years since I lost my mum and joined the club. That you’re able to write so beautifully and share so coherently is incredible, as I felt barely literate for the first two years. Sending you lots of love.

Expand full comment

Thank you so much for reading and your kind words. What do you think your mum would love about who you are now?

Expand full comment

Lovely list, Grief is a thing with feathers would be a beautiful addition to it

Expand full comment

Hi Claire. I don't know that one. Can you tell us about it please and drop a link in the comments for anyone who might benefit from reading it. And thank you for taking the time to contribute.

Expand full comment

Of course – here’s a little review of it: https://amp.theguardian.com/books/2015/sep/18/grief-is-the-thing-with-feathers-by-max-porter-review-ted-hughes

My favourite part: Ghosts do not haunt, they regress. Just as when you need to go to sleep you think of trees or lawns, you are taking instant symbolic refuge in a ready-made iconography of early safety and satisfaction. That exact place is where ghosts go.

Expand full comment

That's beautiful.

Expand full comment

Thank you for sharing your recommendationse, Amy. Another one I absolutely loved was Naja Marie-Aids' memoir When Death Takes Something From You Give It Back.

https://amzn.eu/d/2Ljv275

Expand full comment

Thank you for reading and for the recommendation

Expand full comment

Amy thanks so much for collating and sharing this. I've sent to a few friends too and bookmarked myself.

It was also lovely to hear you read it. Your mum sounds like an incredible woman 🥰

Expand full comment

Thanks so much for listening and sharing, Lauren. I think the mix of advice and storytellers you enjoyed with the person you lost helps you muddle through.

Expand full comment

Absolutely! I'm looking forward to getting into Ina Garten's memoir for just that reason, as used to watch the Barefoot Contessa with my Gramma, and she reminds me of her in so many ways too 💛

Expand full comment

My mum loved the Barefoot Contessa. Let me know how it is and if you'd recommend. I also went to a lot more stand up comedy.

Expand full comment

Ah I will do!

Stand up also sounds like a great suggestion x

Expand full comment