Goodbye 2013, otherwise known as the Year of Death round here.

We lost great pillars from the combined families, something we hope not to repeat this year. We knew it at the time, but looking at the spread shows we were either dealing with the death, or supporting people through terminal illness all but two months.

I’m slipping back a couple of weeks into 2012 since in terms of a 12 month year we experienced:

1 Stepfather (Dec 2012)
1 Grandparent (March 2013)
1 Uncle (May)
1 Uncle (June)
1 Uncle (September)
1 Father (October)
1 Aunt (December 2013)

In addition my mother battled breast cancer during this time, finishing in early summer. She’s recovering fine and we had a splendid Christmas together. Dad’s illness began in July and ended in October, filling those gaps with other challenges and learning opportunities.

I’m not going to ask for a calmer 2014; that’s pretentious. I’m not worthy of personal attention from any deity, much less deserving such a wish. How many others deserve it just as much? Would I reject it if offered? Not a chance. Right now we depend heavily on the kindness of other around us to get through the worst of these times.

One day it’ll be my turn. I’ll be the one someone finds and mumbles “oh, shit.” I’ll inconvenience everyone, changing their plans, forcing them to spend money,  buy clothes, argue with their spouses and I can’t do a thing about it. And so I concentrate on being of service to others; one day I’ll depend upon their kindness to complete my journey from this life to whatever comes next. My family will need their support to get through the day and find hope in tomorrow. My mother may need someone to hold her other arm. My brother will need someone to challenge him creatively. My son will need someone to bring him home safely. My wife will need someone strong enough to see her through the dark times. Those people I salute. You made 2013 bearable and enabled me to walk straighter because you took on some of the load.

Thank you.