Rosemary was a successful dentist. She and her husband, Tom, had three young children. Tom, a freelance journalist, worked part time, spending most if his time with the kids and keeping the house going.

The arrangement worked well.

When Rosemary died suddenly the family lifestyle collapsed. Tom could not find full time work for 14 months.

He could no longer afford the private school fees or the hefty mortgage payments. They sold the house, rented in another suburb and the children changed schools.

The trauma, especially for the children, was significant. They lost their mother, their friends and the comfort of their familiar bedrooms – all within 12 months.