Stories
James Bushell
“It gets a lot easier to deal with emotionally, and there can be as much joy in what you had, as sadness in what’s been lost.”
James Bushell’s arts-loving dad died after a short illness when James was in his mid-teens. His mother gave him space and independence as they both grieved his father, something James believes preserved their still-close relationship.
Kate Walker
“The thing I miss the most is not having an adult relationship with my father”
Kate Walkers’ dad died suddenly when she was eleven. He’d gone to bed with a headache, then was taken to hospital during the night. He never came home.
Kat Schwarzkopf
“If my Papa had lived, I probably would have learned to fly an aeroplane!”
Kat Schwarz’s father died suddenly when he fell through a roof. Kat thinks of her Papa, and his love for aviation, whenever she sees a small plane in flight.
Caitlin Cherry
“It’s up to me to look after myself, there’s nothing coming my way”
Caitlin Cherry’s dad left New Zealand for Australia when she was six then died suddenly when she was nine. Growing up with no little money and less support, Caitlin knew she had only herself to rely on.
Helen Goodwin
“I don't remember crying for him, particularly. He was not much like a dad.”
Helen Goodwin’s dad died suddenly and unexpectedly, even though he’d been ill for some years. Helen felt conflicted about her father’s death, and psychologically stuck, until she discovered change was possible.