Inevitability

I suppose it was too much to hope for that we could see the year out with no deaths.
So: Doris Kelly, 1920-2007. Rest in peace. Survived by three children, ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and innumerable friends.

Up till two years ago, she was still as sharp as a needle - we used to do the Guardian crossword together, and she always kept a keen interest in the news. Her memory never failed while her mind lasted, but then she developed Alzheimer's and drifted a great deal.

We've been waiting for this for awhile now - when she went into hospital two years ago, we were preparing to mourn her then. She did stabilize afterwards, and her last year was happy and peaceful, in a good residential home. So this isn't a huge shock, but it's still a large part of my life so far gone.

The funeral is on Monday the 7th of January, so I'll be travelling to Colchester for that.

If you pray, spare a word or two for my family, please? If not, then good thoughts and feelings are always very welcome.