My mum has died - and every decision I make about her belongings feels wrong | Polly Hudson

Until now I’d never realised how much work is involved in sorting out a parent’s affairs, and how much heartbreak In all the talk of the five stages of grief, I don’t recall one of them being spending hours on hold to energy suppliers. Perhaps I misunderstood, though, and that’s entirely what they’re about.

This call won’t take long (denial); aargh, are they ever going to answer? (anger); if I hang on for five minutes more, they’ll definitely pick up (bargaining); they are never, ever going to pick up (depression); and I live on hold now – this is my life (acceptance). You hear the term “sadmin” bandied about, you understand there’s paperwork to do after…