Author Archives: Kelly 🌻

Supporting a bereaved parent at Christmas

A bereaved parent can appear to be coping well until a challenging event such as Christmas arrives. When a bereaved friend appears to withdraw there is a very good reason and it’s all part of the new life with grief…

How to talk to children about death: tips for parents

Talking to your child about death can be hard but there are ways to make it easier; these tips will help to open up the conversation.

A letter to my daughter on her 24th heavenly birthday

To Abi, It’s suddenly your 24th birthday and each year it hits me a bit different. This year, I realised that you are now the same age I was when I had you. It’s been hard to balance that fact in my mind. At once I am transported back to those heady, happy days ofContinueContinue reading “A letter to my daughter on her 24th heavenly birthday”

What on earth do I say to a bereaved mum? It’s simple, STALL

It can seem like there’s plenty of advice about what not to do when it comes to grief. I’ve written a number of emotional posts about how some people get it ‘wrong’ when talking (or not!) to a beavered parent, such as this one and this one. While my rants are only one element ofContinueContinue reading “What on earth do I say to a bereaved mum? It’s simple, STALL”

Abi’s 21st birthday – heartache and heaven

It’s been three years since I’ve shared anything on here, and it’s over eight years now since Abi died, and the pain of loss is always there. Perhaps not so obviously now, but it lives in the restless nights, the stomach aches, the sudden pangs of sorrow or angry outburst. Her 21st birthday is aroundContinueContinue reading “Abi’s 21st birthday – heartache and heaven”

Cultivating joy in grief

Christians often talk a lot about finding joy in life’s difficulties and I always wondered what that meant and how on earth it was even possible. Surely God is playing games with us if He expects us to celebrate our suffering?! But I’ve begun to discover for myself what this truly means (and I meanContinueContinue reading “Cultivating joy in grief”

Still Standing Magazine: guest articles by Kelly Owen

In 2018, I was selected as a contributory writer for the excellent grief resource, Still Standing Mag. Below is a list of links to the posts I had published on the site. Writing these each month was a great way to keep my writing going and also gave my words more exposure as they haveContinueContinue reading “Still Standing Magazine: guest articles by Kelly Owen”

5 unique self-care ideas to navigate grief

When you’re grieving, doing anything to care for yourself can seem an effort, and even cause you more stress. I’ve shared five ways I found to look after myself in the early years of grief.