Two weeks ago, my mum passed away. She was diagnosed with a 'rare' and aggressive cancer.

It was a very short time between being told her prognosis was "very positive" and being told "there is nothing else we can do". As per her wishes, my family and I cared for her at home until she faded away completely. It was awful seeing her health deteriorate to the point where she couldn't move or speak anymore. I was not present when she finally stopped breathing, but I at least got to tell her how much I loved her not long before and that I knew she loved us very much despite being unable to tell us.

I can't put into words how awful this is for me and my family. My heart is broken. We are walking around in a daze, finding it difficult to comprehend that she has gone. I know the next months will be very difficult. I hope I will be strong enough to manage.