In the end

Image from WWW

The last fortnight of 2023 saw a flurry of deaths; family and friends of ours.  These losses affected us more than we cared to admit.  Stephen counted seven from the 19th to the 31st of December.

Maybe it was the year-end festivities that seemed to make it weigh less.  The cheerful songs and merry making seen around somehow inadvertently alleviated the horror of losing a loved one or someone cherished.  So, we went through the motions to honour the memories of those whom we loved.  And also, to let the young ones enjoy the Christmas season completely.

The finality of hearing he's gone, or she's gone doesn't ever get stale.  It is always fresh and hits the gut instantly. 

But now in the cooler and quieter January (it's been gloomy and cold in Singapore), grief seems to hover overhead like a hangover.  One month has passed and still the knowledge that they are truly gone hasn't fully seeped in. 

In the end, we'll all become stories.  Will ours be a good one?