I was in a semi public place as I read this, and it was with difficulty that I restrained my tears. When my own children were growing I often reflected with horror about how it would be if one of them died. A child of mine died as a day old infant, but there is no comparison with losing someone you have reared and loved for years. And on top of that to endure years of illness — I can scarcely imagine.

A friend’s son died as a teenager while attempting to rescue one of his friends who was swept away by the current of a rain swollen river. His mother fell into despair and addiction. The family never fully recovered.

I hope and pray that writing about your grief brings you comfort. One of the things I love about Medium is that we can feel safe enough to unburden ourselves here.