Hello folks!

Recently we have received some bad news about a friend.  It seems that her time on earth may be drawing to a end in the near future.  This can be hard to stomach.  We lost a friend through Covid and it hit me very hard.  It was so hard being away from those grieving and not being able to share their sorrow with them.  Because of Covid restriction with regard to travel we were unable to travel to the funeral and instead had to watch online.  It really impacted Mr PB and I.  Our friend was a amazing man with a big heart and a huge love of God.  We spent many many hours together laughing, talking and listening to his endless stories which often had in stitches with laughter.  He was a larger than life character and although he was chronically ill he never complained even when he was in considerable pain.  He and his wife were a big support to me when I was going through a bout of depression and cared for me and the family in a myriad of ways.  We feel his loss keenly.  

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves and at times I have been closer to friends than I have been to family.  I came across this quote this week

It made me think of both of my friends.  Both have been courageous in the face of ill health and pain and both have fought it head on.  One had a faith, one doesn't, but they both show the same amount of resilience and courage.  Its hard to watch a friend going through a difficult time especially when there is nothing you can do to help.  Hug your friends, tell them you love them and just listen to them.  You never know when it will be the last time you will see or hear from them.  Friends are a precious gift, love them

Bye for now

Hales x