Thread: Up and downs

Death and disease seem to be chasing me lately, my daughter's flatmate drowned, my step daughter's real father died from a pancreatic tumour, a friend died from lung cancer, another friend has cancer in his bladder and kidneys, then yesterday I went to visit a friend who has been in hospital with a severe lung infection and discovered he has been re-admitted with an altered diagnosis of lung cancer, not good, he is some ten years older than me. I was longer than I had originally intended, talking to his son, and was late and depressed coming home. Whilst we know these things are ultimately inevitable, sometimes everything seems to happen at once

I was heartened by picking up a late newspaper left on the train and seeing a picture of the head of the IMF being held in custody over an alleged sex attack. It remains to be seen if he is guilty or not, but it is good to know that, sometimes at least, power and position will not buy immunity for those accused by the weak and lowly.

When I got home I came on line briefly to check the results of the Poetry Challenge, re-reading Lady S.'s winning entry, whilst I may not wholeheartedly agree with the proposition that romance was stronger in the past, it is again heartening to see a vote in favour of humanity and romance.

And I am starting to pick strawberries, only a small bowl at a time so far, but I see a bumper crop coming, and at it's peak last year I picked nearly three pounds one day, a blender filled with fresh garden strawberries and cream is wonderful.

I made friends with the grim reaper a long time ago. Still, you are the one who is having to be strong for everyone, and who takes care of the caretaker ? Do something nice for yourself, but don't tell anyone about it.

That's really quite sad. I'm sorry for your losses, I know how it can make you feel quite depressed. I've had that before, perhaps to a lesser degree. Not much can really be said when people pass away and death seems to follow us, just that by carrying on living and appreciating life to the fullest we are celebrating their lives in the fullest way that we can. Remember them through your actions and never forget the small things. Writing and nature, two brilliantly relaxing pursuits.

Sorry for my cliched response, I do hope your friends get better!

Do something nice for yourself,

You just did it for me Dudester, thank you for the thought, and you Hunter, sometimes cliches hit the spot.

Sorry Olly, that's rough. Those strawberries and cream sounds lovely, hope you get that bumper crop.

ps. is this the boy that was missing, your daughter's flatmate?

I am sorry Olly. Sometimes it pours. Strawberries are delightful. Maybe you can bring some to your friends when they come ripe. Much love.