Jade - aged 13

I'm thirteen now, and starting to come to terms with my Mum's death. But, my brothers and sisters, think she has gone to sleep. They often say to me, when is Mummy coming home?

It's been one year now, since my Mum died of Breast Cancer. It's been one year of pain, tears, confusion, sadness and guilt. When I first found out, 18 months ago. I was very confused. My Mum or Dad never explained it to me. Exactly what it was. And it was hard, its not everyday an eleven year old goes through it. I had to deal with my younger brothers and sisters, whilst my parents were at the hospital. Hoping my Mum would get better. When we found out the cancer could not be cured. I was devestated, angry, hurt and frightened. Frightened of how I would cope, without my Mother. It wasnt long after that, that I was taken into the hospital to say goodbye. My Mum explained to me what had happened to her. She told me to look after my brothers and sisters. And we cried, both of us. Then, I had to leave. One week later, my Dad came home from the hopsital, he took my hand and told me that my Mum, had passed away. Then we told my two brothers and two sisters. My Dad told them that their Mum, had gone to sleep. I'm thirteen now, and starting to come to terms with my Mum's death. But, my brothers and sisters, think she has gone to sleep. They often say to me, when is Mummy coming home? - and I would say, Soon. What else am I supposed to say to them? They are only 4,5,9 and 7. Do I tell them the truth?

Page updated 18 July 2012