Vicki M

He died when I was 10 - he committed suicide. I remember when my mum told me, I was playing the computer and a policeman came to our door and knock. Mum went out and the man said something, then mum started to cry. That was when I remember thinking 'something's happened to dad.' Mum has always said that she was sorry but she forgot that I was inside watching. Mum came inside sat down on the couch and asked me to come over she sat me on her knee and said, 'dad's died gem,' I didn't cry much only a tear or two. It didn't really sink in.

Now, three years later I realize the strength of my mum, she carried herself, my sister and myself through the trials of grieving, she settled us in a new town, she made all the major family decisions with no one to help her, she worked to keep food on the table and she still had time to have fun with us kids. It was never easy, and I know that maybe in time there might be a time when it is. But I have never really got to say thank you, to my mum because I never really knew how. This is the only way I know.

Submitted by Anonymous

Strength