I come from Northern Ireland, going up in Belfast during 'The Troubles', as it was called. I have 2 children and 1 grandchild, who all live in Northern Ireland.  I have been a registered nurse for 41 years, working mainly in aged care, both here in Australia and at home.  I worked in Albany's own Hospice for 5 years, which was such a privilege for me.  Currently I work in Albany Health Campus.  All the work I have done over the years has dealt with grief and loss, either through moving into residential aged care, moving a relative into residential aged care, coming to terms with a terminal diagnosis, the journey through that diagnosis to death, or falling and breaking a leg/arm, losing your independence and coming to terms with the aging process, or having a stroke, again loss of self/independence, dignity, self-worth, self-esteem.  Even though I am fairly newly qualified, I have counselled people informally throughout my career as a nurse.  I have significant life skills due to my own life journey and I love to come alongside people at their time of need, not saying anything just being there.