By Renee Mowatt, whose best friend Katie died from brain cancer at the age of 26
1. It’s okay to start the grieving process when they get their diagnosis.
I think until you see brain cancer firsthand, it’s kind of hard to conceive how brutal it really is, watching someone you love slowly lose all their abilities at such a young age before finally losing there life is something that stays with you forever.
2. The crippling anxiety, depression, nightmares and insomnia.
After her death my emotional and mental health suffered greatly, from daily panic attacks to the months of memory loss I experienced. Please don’t be scared to ask for help from family, friends or a therapist and also don’t be scared to go on medication if you feel that you need to.
3. Grieving and hard times always reveal your true family and friends.
My heart will always remember the ones who held their hand out and the ones who pretended not to see a thing. You might lose relationships and friendships but it can also bring you closer to your true friends.
4. All the things she will miss out on.
Knowing that Katie won’t be there for any future major events. All those nights spent talking about being each other’s maid of honour is truly heart breaking. I not only grieve for my future without her by my side but also the future she no longer gets to have.
5. I never expected grief to be so isolating.
I’m still scared to make new friends or a best friend in fear of ‘replacing’ Katie. I know that she can never be replaced but grief can make you fearful in ways you never even knew existed.
About Renee Mowatt
“My name is Renee. I’m an aspiring Youtuber from Australia. In September 2018 my best friend Katie passed away from a very rare and aggressive form of brain and spinal cancer. She was the most positive and happy person I have ever met in all my life. Her laugh and personality was infectious. We travelled the world together and I’m ticking off each destination from her bucket list we didn’t get to one trip at a time. She always told me to start my YouTube channel so now I spend all of my spare time making videos, trying to make other people happy and laugh.”
You can follow Renee on Instagram, @hiiii_its_renee.
