As we approach Christmas this year, I find myself with mixed emotions. I am grieving for the very recent loss of my grandmother, who I was fortunate to have in my life for over thirty-three years. Her death was partly expected, but still very sudden, given that she spent time in hospital before her body succumbed to old age. She leaves behind my Grandad, her husband of nearly sixty years. He is disabled following a series of strokes, and my Nan was his carer at their home. While she was in hospital he spent time in a nursing home, but now he has returned to their bungalow, alone. He thinks we will forget about him.

When my dad told me this, I got very upset. My grandparents are all very special to me, and to my brother and sister and our cousins on both sides of the family. They have nurtured us as we grew up, encouraged us to take our adventures in the wider world, and they were always there when we needed a cuddle or a familiar space to come home to. They still are, with the exception of my Nan, but she is with us in spirit. I am desperate to go and visit my Grandad, to show him that he is never forgotten, but unfortunately we live just far enough away, and share one family car, that circumstances intervene against my intention. We will make time to visit all of our family during the Christmas holidays, however, and for that I am thankful. I honour and love all of my family and friends, and they are always in my thoughts.

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