Georgia’s story
I was 26 when I lost my mum to pancreatic cancer.
She was diagnosed on 11th Dec 2024 and died just nine days later on 20th Dec 2024. Which was also my nephews (her grandson’s) 16th birthday. They were so close and it’s bittersweet they now share a day together.
We knew her prognosis was short but we thought we had longer. Nine days to go from “something isn’t right” to saying goodbye. There was no time to prepare, no chance to hope — just shock, fear, and heartbreak. The photo submitted was taken 1 day after diagnosis and 8 days before she died and I still cant wrap my head around how we went from a ‘Christmasy’ day out to discussing end of life plans and hospice care in a mere few days.
Losing her meant more than losing a mother — it was losing my greatest source of comfort, my biggest supporter, and the place that always felt like home.
When she passed the world felt instantly still—weighted with silence.
I remain deeply moved by her. The power of her presence, her elegance, her courage, and her unwavering love have left marks on me I’m only beginning to understand. I long for her to witness the person I’m growing into. I believe she would be proud. And yet, the pain of knowing she’ll never meet this version of me cuts deep
Being her daughter was nothing short of a privilege and I miss her in ways words will never fully capture.
Losing her so suddenly broke something in me.
I wasn’t just grieving her death — I was grieving the life we still had left to live together. The birthdays, the phone calls, the little everyday things that only she could give me.
At first, I felt completely alone. Most people around me didn’t know what to say. Some disappeared. Others tried to cheer me up or offer silver linings when I just needed to feel.
Since joining the It’s Time communities and readings others stories, it made me feel seen. Slowly, I started sharing mine too. And every time someone replied with “me too” or “I hear you,” I felt a little less alone.
Grief doesn’t go away — but you learn to carry it. And finding people who truly get it makes it just a little lighter.
If you’re grieving, especially after a sudden loss, know this: your pain is valid. Your story matters. And there’s a whole community, ready to hold space for you.