Patricia Scanlon: Living after a great loss
In an extract from her new book on grief, reflects on the death of her mother
Throughout life, grief comes to us all in many forms. It may be for the ending of a relationship, the loss of good health, a home, a job or career, financial security or a loved one through death. Everyone will experience grief differently and in different stages. Sometimes we are given time to prepare for the loss of the loved one. At other times, death is sudden, unexpected, tragic, and a numbing sense of shock can be even stronger than the grief, which will come later. Initially, in those surreal days after a death, we are taken up with practicalities. Relatives and friends have to be notified. A funeral has to be organised. In a way, these distractions are a blessing. They give us time to absorb the enormity of what has befallen us.
