This year, the Chinese year if the Earth Ox, seems to be a really tough one all round. Not only in our family, but out there in the media too. As talked about in my previous blog post, we lost our twins at the end of April 09. Probably not mentioned was the passing of my father-in-law at the beginning of April 09. Next we hear of my sister-in-law losing her mother. I feel for DH as he has lost a friend recently and his mother some time back.

To all those people affected, out there, by bereavement, I hope that life goes on for you. Myself, I have learned how tears can heal the hurt, along with sunshine. The brightest sunshine being our 4 year old daughter.

For many, life goes on when you go back to work, are raising a young child or whatever usually occupies your days. For me, I have a maternity leave entitlement. Initially I felt guilty but now I see it as a gift from the twins to use wisely. And apart from anything else, I need to get better physically, especially if we want to try for another child in future.

I don't know what else to say as grief is a personal thing and I don't wish to offend anybody. I just hope that others affected by grief this year find the wild flowers growing in the soil of the grave, the sunlight filtering through the shade of the trees. As heavy as you feel for the passing, I wish you the comfort of many and renewed appreciation for the life you are living. Honour the dead by really living!