Seems like ages since I 'blogged' and I intend to write more over the next few months so here I am - back again!

I have had a challenging couple of weeks - my brother Ronnie passed away - and as Alex says, "Grief slows you" - that has been my experience.  I returned to work following the sad news and the funeral was delayed so last week we travelled to be with family and for the funeral in Edinburgh.  It was a sad day and yet ronnie is now at peace - away from the struggles of his everyday life and his pains.

Selfishly we all wanted Ronnie to last forever, he was one of 7 siblings - the first to go, and was a popular and much loved brother and uncle.  It was good to be with family - I was proud of them all and of the love we share for each other.  Next stage is that Robert and I prepare for a move to Edinburgh - and after 25 years away I will be glad to be back amongst close family.

So life is all about change - with two certainties - we are born and we die - hopefully we go on to live on in a better place.  My Christian faith is important to me and I cling to my faith in Christ and experience His strength and peace in my heart as I cope with changes.

In the NHS the time has come for me to move on and I am not sad about that at all. March was a challenge as so many people around me left for pastures new - we all separated.  Mid June it is for me and I will go on annual leave first - followed by the end of my service and early pension!

In July, Robert, Alex and I will go to Spain for a holiday - Alex will be pleased to have a break before her 2nd last term at university - and we will be relieved that after all the anticipation, we will be free to plan our next move.  A new episode, a new chapter and hopefully new beginnings rather than endings!