When you say goodbye to a parent, you are suddenly living in a whole new world. You are no longer 'the child' and regardless of how long you have officially been 'grown up' for, you realise you actually never were until this moment. A part of your body is physically connected to the people that made it and also a part of your soul. When they no longer live, it is as if you are missing something practical that you need like a finger or an arm. Because really, you are. You are missing your parent and that is something far more necessary than any limb. And yet the connection is so strong it carries on somehow, no-one knows how exactly. But they are there. In some way, shape or form they are still guiding you if you listen closely enough. You can hear the words they would choose to say to you. You can feel the warmth of their approval, their smile when a goal is achieved, their all-consuming love filling the air around you when a baby is born they haven't met. If you watch your children very closely you will see that they too have a connection with your parents long after they are gone. They will say things that resonate with you because it brings so many memories of the parent you are missing. They will carry on traits, thoughts and sometimes they will even see them in their dreams. This is not something we can explain. Love is a very mystical and wondrous entity. It is far better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all and grief, grief is the price of that love. The deeper the love the stronger the grief. When you say goodbye to a parent, do not forget to connect with that little girl who still lives inside you somewhere Take very good care of her, for she, she will be alone and scared. When you say goodbye to your parents, you lose an identity, a place in the world. When the people who put you on this earth are no longer here, it changes everything. Look after yourself the way they looked after you and listen out for them when you need it the most. They never really leave.

We hope that you find this tribute to Brian a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

Everyone grieves in a way that is unique to them. If you need to speak to a bereavement expert please visit the GriefChat section at www.muchloved.com which is a completely free service where you can remain anonymous if you prefer.