I stood at the sliding door to the courtyard; about to step outside to clear my mind. Looking down at the strewn, tatty Havaianas, time suddenly stood still. I recounted their purpose. These were the shoes I used to wear carrying my dog outside for toileting. He had died a few days before. I realised I was amassing 'used to' moments.

For those with emotions on an even keel, navigating the highs and lows of their loved one’s feelings can be a minefield. Here we look at why being entrusted with someone’s raw heart and delicate state of mind is a gift and how in return, the most beautiful act of love is to simply allow those emotions to be. It takes courage and vulnerability to express self-truths.