January 24 2015

This time last year, I had a house full of party people celebrating my 50th birthday. A landmark worthy of celebration and I think we did it in style with food, drink, music and much merriment. An evening I thoroughly enjoyed and look back on with great fondness and happiness. Given the events of the year since, the most remarkable thing about the party that night is that it was the last time my family would be gathered together as one.  To think that dad made it over, despite feeling continually unwell and in considerable discomfort and stayed for a good while was really great. Mums as determined not to miss out either and enjoyed the attention of everyone she bumped into in her wheel chair. 

And now, on the eve of birthday #51, I have said goodbye to both mum and dad. As Billy has said a few times this week, to lose a parent is very sad, to lose 2 in such a short space of time is careless.