Hey there, my wise friends and welcome back to another episode of Collective Wisdom. Today we are privileged to have with us an extraordinary guest, Clare Louise, who is author of 'And Always Annaliese'.

Before we begin a quick but essential note, the subject matter of today's episode deals with the loss of a child and some listeners may find the content emotionally very difficult. So please do exercise some self-care in deciding whether to proceed with this episode. And you might also want to listen with headphones.

Today's conversation is unlike any we've had before.

It delves deep into the corners of human experience that are often left in the shadows, pain, loss, but also crucially, the resilience of the human spirit. Clare Louise has courageously penned down her journey, a heartbreaking yet transformative experience. Following the loss of her seven-year-old daughter Annaliese, her book serves not just as a tribute to her daughter's life, but also as a guiding light for those grappling with incomprehensible loss, or perhaps supporting someone who is. It's an episode that takes courage to speak, to listen, and most of all to try and understand the indescribable so without further ado, I'll hand you over to Clare Louise

And Always Annaliese Website and Book

The Compassionate Friends

Child Bereavement UK

The Lullaby Trust

Grief Cast by Cariad Lloyd

Grief Works App by Julia Samuel

Music: Oom-Pah-Pah from the Original Soundtrack of Oliver!

Wisdom: Losing a child is one of the most difficult things you’ll ever face. Know that you are never alone and find the tribe you need to help you through it.