Finding Steady Ground

Kia ora e hoa,

Some weeks feel like a blur, don’t they? One moment you’re catching your breath, and the next you’re right back on your feet helping someone else find theirs. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately - how grief doesn’t wait for perfect timing, or for us to be rested, or even ready. It arrives when it arrives, and we meet it with whatever strength, softness, or sheer determination we have that day.

This week I’ve had the privilege of sitting with families who simply needed someone to guide them through the noise. Not to fix everything or pretend to have all the answers, but to gently steady the ground beneath their feet while they decide what’s right for them. That, to me, is the heart of Whakaaio - being the quiet voice that says, “Take your time. Choose what feels right for your loved one, without pressure or confusion.”

I’m often reminded how much people appreciate having someone beside them who isn’t trying to sell anything, influence anything, or rush them along. They want honesty, clarity, and kindness at a moment when everything feels too heavy. And every time I’m invited into that moment, it reinforces why Whakaaio exists: so no family has to step into unfamiliar territory feeling lost or alone.

If these letters ever reach someone who is carrying their worry quietly, I hope they feel this - you deserve space, respect, and the truth. And when decisions need to be made, you deserve someone who will stand beside you, steady and calm.

Warmly,

Claire