18th April 2022
My mother-in-law died on Easter Monday. I had visited her in hospital, with my husband the day before. I knew she was nearing the end of her life, and I was glad that I had the opportunity to spend some time with her. I don’t think she knew we were there, but we massaged her hands with some scented hand cream and put some lavender drops on her pillow. We spoke to her and talked about Easter time and springtime flowers in the hope that she could hear us.
I have experienced three bereavements in the last two years. Grief affects us at some point in our lives. I find this quote very relatable:
Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.
Vicki Harrison
Whilst the learning to swim part is metaphorical I have found cold water swimming has been helpful to me on days when I feel extremely sad. I can enter the water in a low mood, but emerge feeling renewed with positivity. It is like my emotions have been cleansed and re-set.