the story
Ana
In October '22, my dear friend Ana passed away unexpectedly. She was young, energetic, ambitious, beautiful, kind. She left behind three young children, her husband, her parents and brother, and many friends, including myself.
After receiving the terrible news, I went straight to the Netherlands to be there, attend the funeral and give a eulogy, and be with her husband, children, and friends. But at some point, I had to leave the Netherlands, return to 'normal' life in Sydney. But what was "normal life"? What was normal for others no longer felt normal to me at all. I was enveloped in a blanket of grief. Meetings, deadlines, dropping the kids off at school, groceries – it felt different, almost as if a filter had been placed over my world.
This will be familiar to many who have experienced grief. In addition, people will undoubtedly recognize themselves in the changes in relationships and connections with those around them.
Stories originated from this experience and insights. And Ana really deserves all the credit for that. Because she was and still is the inspiration. I still think of her every day. She was truly amazing.
Love, Mathilde