Life is short, it really is!

I had some bad news yesterday. Twice, in fact. Two of my friends’ parents died this week. One, although expected (she had cancer), was still a shock, as it seemed to accelerate rapidly and defiantly towards the end. It’s my first real experience of anyone dying from cancer and it has not sounded like a pleasant way to go. I guess some comfort has to be had in that they got to say their goodbyes, albeit in very difficult circumstances.

My other news, from a different friend, was a total shock and a real curve ball for her and her family. I got the news in a text message, the sort that makes you want to cry on the spot and if I hadn’t just got to work I know I would have.

To get both sets of news on the same day made for a very emotional day and I admit I had a good cry on my way home. Just last week I was moaning about (maybe) not going on holiday this year, about having put a few pounds on and the weather being crap. I was a real misery. A day like yesterday really puts things into perspective and I have given myself a royal kick up the proverbial backside! I now have two friends with young babies who will never get to know one of their grandparents. And two friends who are planning a parent’s funeral.

The whole experience has been a huge wake up call and left me contemplating just how old I am getting now that my peers’ parents are dying. Don’t get me wrong, I know others whose parents were taken too soon, but this has just reminded me that this will happen to me one day too. It’s inevitable. But desperately sad.

RIP xxxx