Oncology Buddies magazine

Unpacking Grief How grief plants the seeds of who we are next

August 1, 2026 Word for Word Media

Bonni Suckling beautifully reflects on how grief has planted the seeds of the person she is today, quietly awarding her invisible medals every day.

In June I crossed the finish line of my ninth Comrades Marathon. Nine. Even saying that out loud feels a little surreal because every single year, somewhere around 70km, I become absolutely convinced that this was a terrible life choice. Like…the worst ever. Then something magical happens. You catch a peep of the finish line. Now, my friends, there is nothing glamorous about the Comrades finish. NOTHING! It looks like a war zone….

Unpacking Grief Love, written on skin

June 5, 2026 Word for Word Media

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Bonni Suckling explains how memorial tattoos give love and cherished memories of your person a permanent place to live.

Short on time? Listen to the audio version of this article here, or by using your favourite podcast player

Grief doesn’t arrive politely. It barges in, unannounced, and settles itself right on your chest. For me, it was never about ink. It was about not letting go completely. I have many memorial tattoos for my son. A full sleeve, both shoulders, my back. It’s not subtle. All his favourite characters: Stitch, Buzz Lightyear,…

Unpacking Grief My grief and I have commitment issues

April 1, 2026 Word for Word Media

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Bonni Suckling reflects on how removing a sentimental silver necklace became a quiet step forward in her ongoing journey with grief.

My grief and I have been in a long-term relationship. Fifteen years. At this point we should probably have matching tattoos and a joint savings account. But lately things have been tense between us. The current conflict started with a silver necklace. For fifteen years, my son’s name, Jed, has rested against my chest on a little silver chain. This name pendant that has seen things: hospital corridors, triathlons, marathons, and plenty of very ordinary days. It has…

Unpacking Grief Why my grief only misbehaves after 10pm

February 3, 2026 Word for Word Media

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Bonni Suckling candidly shares why after 10pm, her brain clocks out of logic and into her feelings.

Short on time? Listen to the audio version of this article here, or by using your favourite podcast player

Hello. I’m Bonni. I’m your new grief columnist. I have qualifications and have done the respectable adult things. I can tick boxes and fill in forms and sit in rooms where people say words like stakeholder. But my most devastating credential is this: I’m the mother of a dead child. Yes. Dead. It’s a horrible word….