As we continue into 2021, we approach now something that feels familiar, practiced almost and, still, unsettling. Things are calming down, there is a sense of being able to think outside of the here and now, yet feeling heavily the exhaustion both mental and physical. I’ve noticed I’m more able to think about things other... Continue Reading →
Life Interrupted – Grief’s Visible Impact
Since the last lockdown in November I have undertaken a few new crafty projects. I’m not sure where the inspiration came from or why I enjoy them so much but I became a little obsessed with the calming effects of a needle and thread. This so far has included turning a dress into a crop... Continue Reading →
Long-term Defiance
It would seem that although there was no need for me to access any medical assistance while I have been unwell with Coronavirus, there has been a kind of long-term effect upon me which I did not expect. 'Long-term covid' is a phrase that is thrown about by people, a strange and mysterious term which... Continue Reading →
Coronavirus, Cats & Christmas
I have come to the end of my ten days isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, which should feel like a cause for celebration. It does, however, coincide with this part of the country entering Tier 4 and being told that we cannot mix households for Christmas. The entirety of this is giving me huge... Continue Reading →
Fighting Mortuary Malaise
It has been a strange week, mostly in the fact that it has not been very strange at all which can only raise suspicions in 2020. After discussing with most of my colleagues, we confirmed that there is a general feeling of weariness among us all but it is alongside this general feeling of unease... Continue Reading →
Impending Sense Of I-Have-No-Idea-What
Edit- this was written yesterday and just to highlight how quickly things change I’ve since thought it best to get a Coronavirus test as myself and my husband have developed mild symptoms. I still wanted to post this as it felt important, but bear in mind we are now isolating and awaiting results. Each week... Continue Reading →
I’m Qualified, It’s Official!
As the UK plummeted, or actually more fittingly we stumbled, into national lockdown number two, the mortuary began to see the normal Winter numbers increase. This is nothing outside of what we experience every year as the temperatures outside fall, and not unexpected for us. Obviously there is still a fear this could return to... Continue Reading →
363 Days to Halloween!
Just joking, kind of, because I did have a wonderful Halloween this year. It seemed that instead of staying home and waiting for the kids to knock for sweets, I could think of better and more pandemic friendly ways of celebrating this year. I’ve actually had the best Halloween I’ve had in years. Spooky season... Continue Reading →
Death Doulas & Soul Midwives
Within my role at the hospital I work quite closely with those who work in palliative or end of life care. For these people, they are there for people at the point where medicine can no longer try to fix them or treat their symptoms to live. Palliative care is there for people who are... Continue Reading →
Neck Appreciation Post VI- Whiplash
Once upon a time I was cycling at a famous forest based resort with a group of friends when something happened that caused my bike to stop suddenly and flip out from under me forcing my face and arms into the ground. My chin and palms hit the concrete with the full force of my... Continue Reading →