It is sad how far away you are from those so close to you

We have had lots of sad news over the last few weeks, a family friend has been diagnosed with cancer, another friend has spent a long spell in hospital and has thankfully just returned home and finally another family friend died this week. Pete Selwood, an old friend of my folks, died of a bone cancer. Due to his disease he ended up an alcoholic and died a very lonely man because his family and many friends gave up on him, he became depressed through the drink and gave up on life. I have few memories of Pete but my folks have many.

We have recently lost Clinton father, the thing I am most sad about (apart from his death) is because we didn't talk to him as much as we should have done. I think the moral here is it is so good to talk and it doesn't take much to listen, it is only time and if we can't give up a bit of our precious time to those we love, what is the point in loving. Also you have to help yourself and if that means seeking professional help, that is not such a bad thing!

So to all thoses out there who politely run a mile when your friends or family talk about the same old problems, don't think 'I have my own problems to deal with', don't pussy foot around topics like death, love, depression, illness and problems, help that person face them, you may make all the difference. It may be a certain type of person or someone really close to you that will bring these things up head on and depending on how one is feeling at the time depends on how openly one accepts that persons help.

Also those that want someone to listen, next time don't shrug off any help offered and just say 'Oh I'm fine, there are people far worst than me!' Just take it or seek it. It may be easier to talk to a stranger, someone who isn't living or trying to live your life may have a clearer view on things. Sometimes a solution is never reached but talking about it can ease the sadness or stress or worry. Sometimes you may have to go against your morals to find a cure.

It is so important to be there for the ones we love, even if it is just an ear, it is better than ignoring what is going on and hoping it will get better. When we get older we are more likely to be struck down with illness, know someone that has died, been through a divorce, suffered sadness of sorts or suffered stress.

That is enough of the serious stuff from me.