One Birthday and a Funeral

Its the first day back to work after Christmas. The news is of snow dumps. Outside it's drizzling mostly, with small thin wisps of snow - hardly visible on the hedges and ledges. Nowhere near enough for sledges. Its grey, overcast, damp. Outside it is no better. But that isn't all. Its a day of smoked salmon, charcuterie, rum and beer. Of a Longleat trip, of curry, of laughter, of cheer. For today is also a birthday. A time for jollity, celebration. Today is FUNeral day. Today is FUN-et al day... as well. In our society its a tough juxtaposition. We don't do death well. We mourn the loss. We don't celebrate the life, despite the words the celebrant says. In the same way that as our children grow out of childhood we celebrate becoming an adult - but don't mourn the loss of childhood, of innocence. Two lives. One ending, one moving on. Happy Birthday son of mine. Reanne... In Peace. (c) Ian Diddams 2020