Sad news.

Although today, 4th of September, started out okay, I was dismayed to hear that my stepbrother had passed away over in Western Australia. Although we were never particularly close, we had become friends over the last 10 or so years. Especially when his beloved wife was hospitalized with Alzheimers, a really cruel complaint; not for the patient but for the loved ones who become carers and have to bear the burden. Despite not knowing Eric very well as we were not brought up together, my admiration for him knew no bounds when he had to battle the burden of his beloved wife by himself. It was obvious the last time I saw him - some 15 months or so ago - that he had really given up on life after Nancy had passed away. Now, at last, he is hopefully at peace and, if what some claim to be true is correct, I'm sure he and Nancy are together again. At the moment my thoughts are with his youngest stepdaughter who tried her best to care for him and who reluctantly had to put him into a Nursing Home when the task became too much for her. When I look back at Eric's life which, while it had moments of great joy; especially after he met and married Nancy, I can only thank my lucky stars that my own life has been so devoid of tragedy. Of course, like everyone else my family has had its ups and downs, but luckily, they have never been as bad as some people have had and, in comparison, we've had a remarkably lucky life. So, to all my family, or indeed to anyone who reads this, all I can say is don't dwell on what you haven't got, instead count up your blessings and try to do better in, hopefully, the many days yet to come. End of lecture. But seriously, I love you all. Take care and do harm to no one.