This won’t be my usual sort of blog post – apologies in advance for that. 

A few weeks ago a friend of my sisters gave birth to a little boy.  There were complications and a few hours later she died, leaving a new born, a three year old and a husband, not to mention extended family and a heap of friends.

Last night a good friend of Sister 2’s partner hung himself.

I didn’t know either well but both have touched the edges of my life and both deaths have made me feel equally sad. 

But that’s not why I am writing this.  It’s got me thinking that even people right on the peripherals of your life can make an impact.  That means each of us has an impact on others – people we might not expect to.  And wouldn’t it be nice if that impact was always good?  Some people don’t leave us out of choice – others, it seems to us, decide to leave, but  it may be at that moment they don’t feel they have a choice.  Either way, you rarely see it coming.  So sorry if I sound all preachy and Pog-on-a-soap- box, but play nice – you don’t know what’s around the corner for anyone – or yourself. 

I have lovely friends who read this blog, but I can also see there are complete strangers who land here and take the time to read my ramblings.  Because of that young man who left us last night, I want to say to anyone who ever feels as sad and isolated as he must have done, that you do make an impact to someone, somewhere.  You’ve made me smile by landing here for a start.  And if you’re feeling desperate, take a look here.  It’s helped someone I know well get through many dark times.

Big hugs to all of you, and to those two new angels.

:o)