When John sadly lost his beloved wife Judy in July 2021, he knew he could call upon KEMP services to support him through his grief. Read John’s story.
KEMP’s Family Support & Bereavement Service has been providing counselling support to the Wyre Forest Community for many years. When John sadly lost his beloved wife Judy in July 2021, he knew he could call upon KEMP services to support him through his grief, after first having received counselling 27 years ago.
“My wife Judy was a one off. Everybody loved her and she had an amazing ability to endear herself to everyone she met. She had a feisty personality and was very outgoing and creative. They say the greater the love the greater the loss, and I absolutely know this to be true after losing my beautiful Judy”
Finding Support to talk about Grief
Judy was diagnosed with bladder cancer in September 2019 after having already successfully recovered from breast cancer twice before. She bravely battled until she sadly died in July 2021. “I was already familiar with KEMP Bereavement Services as I had received counselling support when I lost my daughter 27 years ago. When Judy passed, I knew I needed to talk through my grief, so made a referral to KEMP. I love to talk about Judy, who she was and what she did.”
“Judy was a keen supporter of the local community. She was a founder member of the Kidderminster Valentines Choir, took part in charity walks, and helped with several community activities at Brinton Park. Judy also made handmade cards to give to our family and friends on birthdays. I still have several of the cards Judy made, which are so much more special now. We were destined to meet, and I knew as soon as I saw her it was love at first sight. She bowled me over in every way”
Difficult times at Family Occasions
Judy and John also share a large family with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. “As wonderful as it is to get-together with family, I find occasions like birthdays and Christmas, can be especially difficult. Gathering as a family only reminds me Judy is no longer here, so can be a little counterproductive and leave me feeling upset. But talking about my beautiful wife and my thoughts with a KEMP Counsellor has helped me so much. The best therapy you can get is talking and I would suggest anyone who may be struggling with a bereavement should contact KEMP Hospice”.
Talking through grief to ease the pain
“It’s through counselling that I’ve had the chance to tell my story, and to share with others what my beautiful wife Judy was like. She was the woman of my dreams and I feel blessed that she chose to share 37 wonderful years of her life with me. There were some ups and downs as well as tragedy to overcome, but our love only grew ever stronger over the passage of time. Telling our story has helped me to ease the pain of losing her. Being able to talk through one’s grief with someone who understands that the loss of a partner or child, is the greatest trauma we can experience, helps to unburden the soul and I would like to express my thanks to everyone at KEMP for their support”.
Gallery Carousel Block – please edit or remove it
More stories
Craig & Deb’s Story
Having lost her husband Craig in December 2023 aged just 43 years old, Deb has been navigating life as not just a young widow, but also, as a mum to three children.
Rob’s Story
Loneliness and isolation are felt all too often when living with a life limiting illness. Rob tells us his story of how the KEMP Befriending Service is helping him at home.
Sharon’s Story
In May 2022 Sharon was diagnosed with stage 4 Motor Neurone Disease. Find out how KEMP Hospice helped support her following her diagnosis.