Grief To Growth
Creative
A Creative Community for Bereaved Parents and Families
Learn to be present in grief
I’m Ginny. a mum of three and bereaved parent of one - my son, Ben. He died following acute myeloid leukaemia, Lyme disease and a stem cell transplant. He was 12 years old.
I have lived experience of child loss to cancer and as an empath, I feel everything deeply and understand the need for compassion in navigating this extraordinary path so many of us find ourselves on.
I am an author, speaker on grief and I have training in various healing modalities and in instrumental living. More recently, I have received training from the National Bereavement Service and am now in the process of studying to become a Grief Coach, something I feel impressed to do to help other bereaved parents and families.
Every week, I write about the reality of living as a bereaved parent, including reflections on child loss, creativity, finding purpose and being present in grief.
I’d love you to come and join me there and be part of the conversation.
A Warm Welcome to You and Your Grieving Heart
Family of Five
This book tells the story of a family of five and is written from the heart of a bereaved mother; a parent, who, along with her husband, has faced the worst trauma any parent could ever expect to go through; the loss of a child.
This is a story of a family of five, facing the cancer diagnosis of their ten year old boy, Benjamin. The story unfolds with diagnosis and treatment and follows through to Ben’s stem cell transplant and his recovery. Then latterly his subsequent relapse and ultimately the loss of their beautiful son. The book then draws to a close with Ben’s mother’s reflections on grief and loss, her memories of Ben and building statues in his name.
Throughout this book, the use of both Ginny’s and her husband, James’ journals, helps to reflect on the way both parents were coping with and experiencing the journey, together and apart.
Although this story is one of trauma and grief, it’s an honest account of something that so many people will experience in their lifetimes (one in two of us will be diagnosed with a form of cancer in our lives) and a look at how it’s possible to move with your grief and live, albeit after seven years, taking only baby steps.
It’s a story of love and forgiveness, grief and ultimately hope in being able to continue in cancer’s wake, by deciding to put one foot in front of the other and see all joy, happiness and sparkles of light that the world, life and the universe still has to offer. All, while keeping the love of the child you lost and the children you have with you, held in your heart, giving you strength and courage to lead with love to find meaning and purpose in your life again.
You can purchase the print book from BookVault or buy the ebook on Amazon / Draft2Digital.
First Review of Family of Five
I purchased this book having connected with Ginny on social media. She's on a mission to raise awareness of Stem Cell Donation and help others going through the grief of losing a child. The book is wonderful and fantastically written. It sets out the realities of supporting someone receiving a blood cancer diagnosis at young age. The toughness of treatment which is brutal. The feeling of helplessness at times. How few people know about Stem Cell Donation and the really low percentage of people on Donor registers. The hope that transplant will offer her son a second chance at life. Relapse and learning that his life wasn't going to have the outcome she and her family hoped for. It's a heart breaking read at times. Yet Ginny has taken this tragic outcome and used what is written in this book and her other work to help others. It's a truly inspiring.
D B
Resources
Books and Affirmation cards to help support, encourage and educate around grief.
Navigating the Heartbreak of Child Loss Self-Care Journal
A beautiful self-care journal created by a bereaved parent with the sole purpose of helping other bereaved parents to understand and acknowledge their own experiences in a thoughtful, gently guided workbook.
Family of Five Print Book
A heart-felt memoir about a mother's love for her three children; and her son's diagnosis of leukaemia and need for a stem cell transplant.
Life changes the minute you hear the words, 'I'm afraid your child has cancer.' It changes again when you realise their only chance at life relies on the kindness of a stranger.
Family of Five is about hope, grief and unimaginable loss, but ultimately is a story about love and legacy of kindness and courage that will stay with you.
Dragonfly Affirmation Cards
Beautiful hand painted design for these Dragonfly Affirmation cards created by Ginny Walker, bereaved parent.
Grief To Growth Creative Support System
Building a Community for Bereaved Parents and those supporting Bereaved Families
Coming Soon: Grief to Growth Creative Drop-In Sessions led by Author and Bereaved Parent, Ginny Walker. These gentle drop-in sessions are held on a regular basis. Come along and spend time with other bereaved parents and families, for connection, creative exploration, journalling and supportive conversation. Sign up to our Newsletter for details once confirmed.
Grief Cafes
If you are new to grief or even years in and simply want to meet with other parents who understand the need for connection at the most unimaginable time, then an informal, quietly supportive, grief cafe is something you may wish to consider coming along to.
It’s a chance to be yourself in a supportive and caring environment, where bereaved parents can share their children’s stories with a network of support.
Grief Cafes are free, but you are welcome to make a donation for refreshments. Groups will be kept small and while the cafe is free, there will be a box for donations to cover the cost of refreshments.
Disclaimer: This is not a counselling or therapy session and if you need urgent mental health support and guidance, please do connect with www.thegoodgrieftrust.org or www.samaritans.org
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