sun shining, world turning

I'm back at home after a couple of really tough weeks.

Dave and I had our own massive disappointment a couple of weeks ago, and within hours of this, we found out that Dave's mum had been rushed to hospital. Very sadly she passed away a few days later.

Lovely 'Ada' (as she was known to the family) had been fighting with cancer since christmas and had just finished a course of treatment, but unfortunately came down with pneumonia. However in the end she went peacefully surrounded by her three sons and her little brother. I've always felt very privileged to have such lovely in-laws and to be accepted into Dave's family. Ada was the hub, a bright lady, with a great deal of patience, kindness, humour and an ability to look for the positive, and the little joys in all situations. I will miss her hugely.

I feel older now, having spent the last few days helping Dave and his brothers to make arrangements for the funeral, and also to put in place care and assistance for Dave's dad. A short sharp lesson in growing up...

We're now back home for a week and back to work tomorrow... I've got so much to catch up on, including all your lovely journals.

Today it was reassuring to see my beach again, and to see the way the world has kept on going in our absence... We didn't indulge in the ice cream however... but that's cos we went to the cake shop instead...