Birthday cakes aren’t just for the living | Our daughter’s 2nd birthday

Are you journeying with grief? Download my FREE Grief, Grace & Growth journaling ebook here: https://tanyawilkinson.co.uk/newsletter This is an episode from my heart. Today, I (Tanya Wilkinson) am reflecting on the second birthday of our darling daughter, Ngākau Raiona, who died due to a birth defect that was incompatible with life Earth side (TFMR) and was stillborn two years ago. I share my journey of navigating grief, the importance of honouring both my daughter and myself, and the creative rituals that I have developed to celebrate my daughter's life. Emphasising the lessons learned through grief, including patience, community support, and the resilience that emerges from loss. Plus the potential for personal growth that can arise from the grieving process, encouraging you to find your own ways to honour your loved ones who you are grieving and connecting into your grief as a teacher.TakeawaysCelebrating life and loss can coexist.It's important to honour ourselves in grief.Asking 'how am I really feeling?' is crucial.There should be no 'should’s’ in grieving.We experience multiple realities in grief.Grief rituals can be powerful tools for healing.Grief is not a linear process.Community support is vital during grief.Grief teaches patience and grace.Personal growth can emerge from grief.Follow & Support Death on the Daily:Do Like, Comment & Subscribe to this channel  @deathonthedaily  Share this episode with a friend who might need it. Subscribe to my Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/deathonthedaily/ Buy me a coffee and support the production of this free podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/tanyawilkinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/death_onthedaily  Find out about my work including as a grief coach: www.tanyawilkinson.co.uk YouTube: http://youtube.com/@deathonthedaily, You can hear / watch the full story of my daughter's diagnosis, TFMR and stillbirth here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/death-on-the-daily/id1761150738?i=1000705570083Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PGZOL0yiRPosE9n6Ue8It?si=23023d84374349aaThe UK baby loss support charities that I mention in this episode are:Petals: https://www.petalscharity.orgSister Circle: https://sistercircle.org.ukChapters00:00: Navigating Grief: A Personal Journey02:09: Celebrating Life and Loss: Honoring a Daughter04:52: The Complexity of Grief: Embracing Emotions07:58: Creating Rituals: Connecting with the Departed10:54: Lessons from Grief: Patience, Community, and Rest13:35: Resilience in Grief: Finding Strength16:46: Growth Through Grief: Insights and Reflections