Life after Loss – Patricia Brown
Saturday 1st April 2023

The skies opened and whilst it was a miserable day in the Sydney CBD, it didn’t deter many of our members coming together to hear Pat Brown’s presentation on Grief and Loss.  Other members were able to join via ZOOM, as Pat explored her own life experiences and how she had dealt with her loss, sadness and the challenges since the death of her son, Justin. 

Pat describes herself as a Grief Recovery Coach and has turned to a practical philosophical approach in dealing with her own grief and in sharing that philosophy with others, helping them move forwards in their own lives.  Like each of us, there is a story to be shared and Pat’s story was an honest portrayal of the challenges that she had faced in her own life.  She shared ideas as to what had helped her and focused very much on those elements of life, that offer a reprieve – creating time to appreciate this fragile existence and what helped each of us in taking care of ourselves.  Whilst there is never one simple solution in managing our grief, Pat’s focus was on helping each of us to appreciate the positives in our own lives and in the lives of our loved ones, that are no longer physically with us.

Question time allowed an opportunity to explore some of our individual challenges even further, with Pat facilitating an exploration of how we might manage these challenges, how they were perceived and handled in helping us to move forwards.

A light lunch was provided to all participating, with an opportunity to continue in sharing in Pat’s insights and experience.

It was a great presentation, surrounded by some wonderful people, with a competent, caring presenter who continues to support others as they deal with their own grief. 

TCF is incredibly grateful to Pat for her presentation and her commitment to the organisation and its’ members.

The Compassionate Friends are extremely grateful to Carroll & O’Dea for the use of their facilities on the day, use of their IT facilities and to those volunteers that helped in setting up and tidying up the venue and in ensuring the success of the day.

Patricia Brown is the author of several publications including the recollection of her own personal journey through grief: “Recovery – Learning to Love and Live after Loss”.

Available from the author, via TCF Office.