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Guest_342
Community Member

Hi there.

My little nephew passed away this week and the service is coming up in a few days. I live alone and my boyfriend lives interstate and won't be coming here for it. I have been really anxious about the service because my brother and his wife are friends with my ex-fiance. I haven't spoken with any of his friends (didn't hear from them when we split) or him for 2.5 years. I want my brother and his wife to have the love and support of all their friends but I feel like I can't grieve properly because my thoughts are clouded with fear of the awkwardness and and that they might not be friendly towards me. It's making me angry because I want to be grieving for my nephew instead of this stupid selfish worry. I'm terrified. I wish this could be a day that i can solely focus on the love I have for my family and my nephew.

Everyone going has their own partners and children and I'm scared I'll find myself standing there alone having to have awkward conversations with people who were once part of my friendship group.

3 Replies 3

Sophie_M
Moderator
Moderator

Hey Gelati,

Thank you for updating us on your situation. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your nephew this past week. We can imagine it has been a very painful and exhausting week for you and are sorry to hear your partner is not close by for support. Please feel free to share any thoughts or feelings you have with our community and we'll try our best to provide you with some comfort and kind words. Please do not feel guilty or selfish for having these thoughts, we think it is normal to feel worried about such an upsetting and awkward situation.

We'd recommend you get in touch with Griefline - 1300 845 745. GriefLine provides counselling support services free of charge to individuals who are experiencing loss and grief. One of the friendly counsellors can offer you some support but also provide you with advice and referrals for seeing a counsellor in a more ongoing way.

If you would like to post further, please tell us more about what's on your mind and how we can best help you get through this time of adjustment. 

Croix
Community Champion
Community Champion

Dear Gelati~

I'm sorry for you loss, it is sad when someone young passes away.

I'm afraid I did not get all you were saying, am I right in saying it is your brother you have not spoken to since you split with your ex? I'm also assuming it is your brother's child.

The service is for most a good thing to have, and I've found it a comfort when someone I love has passed away. As a result I'd not suggest you do not attend.

What happens there will be partly your own experience of greif, and only possibly talking with others, which realy is mainly up to you, as you can arrive just in time, and leave quickly after. To stay longer will increase the likelihood of interactions or perhaps unpleasantness.

Feeling you brother and his wife need family support is very probably spot-on, however it does not have to be during a mix of all different people. I would imagine attempting to talk to him first, even if on the phone, or if that is inappropriate then a letter, maybe followed by a meeting later where you can share your grief.

When one is grieving the most surprising things can mean a lot, for example prepared food quickly given can be both practical and meaningful, as can be acting as a taxi to relive the pressure of their having to transport people.

Please let us know how you get on

Croix

 

Guest_342
Community Member
Thanks so much, to both of you for your helpful replies. I really appreciate the time you have taken.