This year has without fail been about death. Death of those we know through fame and those who we have known as friends, family, and acquaintances. Never has one year been so dramatically associated with death, and in a way that affects so many.
Obviously people are dying daily but this year really has been awful.
I’m useless at consoling or knowing what to say, mainly because I can’t bear to think of others’ pain, loss, and equally hate to sound so insincere in the words repeated by so many at a time of bereavement.
I hate the Facebook announcements where your comments during a time of bereavement are in the public domain and sometimes it appears as if everyone is trying to outdo each other with their heartfelt condolences in the comments section of the post on Facebook. I have never been one for public displays of affection or emotion (much to my friends and Andrew’s amusement) but I am absolutely genuine in my feelings for others, especially during the grieving process. I just can’t do this public weeping and wailing. Grief and reflection are very personal. I have found and noted over the years some people thrive off others’ grief, almost like the grim reapers of other people’s lives and misfortunes in their search for being centre stage of the drama, they feel they can be the savor and bearer of the true grief and situation.
Whatever the sadness and loss it does rather remind one constantly of the importance of family, friends, and the fact life is so very precious. And of course, ensuring your Will is sorted!
A family Will presented to me some five years ago has provided much heartache, disappointment, and frustration to me personally. My late grandfather hand wrote his Will on lined A4 paper, and over a period of years got it witnessed. This handwritten Will did not later withstand the vultures who chose to challenge it. I was to be one of the main benefactors and an inheritance that would have helped me considerably in my life. Not changed my life but definitely helped.
Money doesn’t make you happy but my goodness it can certainly make your life a little easier, allow you to make choices and lighten the load.