There have been many occasions when I have attempted to talk about Rosie and people have almost turned away. The worst thing is that I then feel guilty about mentioning it. I understand that some people don't know what to say or that it's something they just don't want to talk about, but I feel that you have to be selfish when you're trying to cope with bereavement. Admittedly many of my friends were and are supportive and are prepared to discuss the issue. It seems to me that society's way of dealing with death is to ignore it until it arrives.
Death is regarded as taboo and an unnecessary barrier surrounds it.
Thrown into grief with little or no preparation. In the last decade or so there appears to be more awareness on the subject, with a large number of books, self-help and otherwise, that attempt to inform and support people before and after experiencing the death of a loved one. It is the Natural Death Centre's belief that to become more aware of death can stimulate our creativity and artistry, deepen our philosophies, reorder our priorities and render our living more intense, opening our hearts to love and compassion. I believe to be true. If only more people were open to these beliefs, though I can only say this from personal experience and with hindsight.