Today I went to a funeral. A lovely lady not much older than me called Linda. She loved going to the gym, keeping healthy, and was looking forward to retiring early.She was my sons best mates mum. I knew her well and walked her dogs. In February this year she gained a doctorate and with her 2 children went to Oz for 2 weeks whist we cared for the house and dogs. She bought herself a soft top car who she loved to show everyone. Then in July after having pains in her side she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given a year. She fought to the bitter end but sadly lost her battle last Sunday.
A sad story, yes, but the awful thing is Charlie 24 and his sister Caroline 22 also lost their dad in the same tragic way 3 years ago. I don't think there was a single dry eye in the crematorium when Linda's dad walked up to the coffin and patted it gently and said good bye to his eldest daughter followed by Charlie and Caroline, saying good bye to their wonderful mum. They then stood there hugging and crying, both now orphans. Both will never be able to share their weddings, children, milestones, or achievements with their parents, like most of us expect to do.
Today has made me put things into prospective. Yes I hurt, I ache and some days I feel awful but I am here and I am around for my children.
Life is too short to argue over silly things, fall out with people and I am going to do my best to make the most of what I have. I am also going to do my best to be there for Charlie and Caroline.
I don't feel good at times but it will never compare to the heartache those poor kids are going through and what they will go through in the future.
Xxxx