Hi, my name is Shirley

In December, I lost my beautiful son. Losing a child is a pain no parent should ever have to endure, and since that day my world has stopped. Every moment has been filled with grief, shock, and the unbearable reality that he is gone. Every breath feels heavier without him, and every day is a struggle to get through

I have not been able to return to work, as I am still waiting for him to be released. This waiting has been unbearable, it feels like being stuck in limbo, unable to begin healing or say goodbye properly, has made the grief even harder to carry. He is currently in Adelaide, far from us, while we wait in heartbreak.

When he is finally released, my deepest wish is to bring my son home to Toodyay. This is where he wished for his final resting place to be. Bringing him home would mean so much to his younger sister and brother. They are grieving the loss of their big brother, trying to understand a world without him, a consistent in their life. And being able to say goodbye properly, close to home, would help them to process the heartbreaking loss and honor the memory of a brother they love so deeply.

Asking for help like this is incredibly difficult for me. I am someone who has always tried to manage on my own and do things for myself and my children. Reaching out feels incredibly vulnerable, but right now I am doing the best I can in the middle of unimaginable grief, not just for myself but for my children and their brother.

The costs involved in transporting him back home is more than I can manage, especially while I am unable to work. I am asking for help so I can bring my boy home with dignity, love and peace. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help us bring him back to Toodyay. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page or keeping our family in your thoughts means more than words can express.

Thank you for reading my story and for any kindness, compassion, or support you can offer during the darkest time of our lives.