Tina, so devastated for you to know of your husband’s passing. Such a trauma at any time let alone this year and I can understand having had similar experiences this year, as so many of us have. It’s hard to find the light sometimes and even the clergy who are trying to help people cope are so devastated at situations they are coming across, so that’s normal; you might have seen the article on the news last night. Try to find a reason to get up and get on and think how your husband would want you to I’m sure. Keep safe x

I agree Alison. Una, you are wonderful. Have a nice Christmas with your family x

My dear Una, so good to catch up with all you and your beautiful Sam I have been up to, and to bring ourselves up to speed with where you are now. It sounds as though life has changed totally get all the happiness always turned on its axis and you are now happy content with two children and a man who loves you and cares only to make sure your life is perfect. On top of that you found time to help your friends and to give in the house next door to yours so that the family who are struggling now have a home in their own. You to me are the most perfect example of somebody making the very best out of the very worst of situations. Better yet, having turned your life around you then bring joy to others. It is definitely a win-win situation. I hope the others who read this will see that even in the darkest of times there is always light, and always a reason to keep on forging ahead. You are an inspiration. Thank you for keeping in touch with us all here on the blog. Let me know how you are closer to Christmas? Love always, Ali xxx

My dear Una, so good to catch up with all you and your beautiful Sam I have been up to, and to bring ourselves up to speed with where you are now. It sounds as though life has changed totally get all the happiness always turned on its axis and you are now happy content with two children and a man who loves you and cares only to make sure your life is perfect. On top of that you found time to help your friends and to give in the house next door to yours so that the family who are struggling now have a home in their own. You to me are the most perfect example of somebody making the very best out of the very worst of situations. Better yet, having turned your life around you then bring joy to others. It is definitely a win-win situation. I hope the others who read this will see that even in the darkest of times there is always light, and always a reason to keep on forging ahead. You are an inspiration. Thank you for keeping in touch with us all here on the blog. Let me know how you are closer to Christmas? Love always, Ali xx

Dear Julia, thank you so much for letting me know how you are, and for bringing in to true focus just how much harder everything is because of Covid and the times we are living in. Keith’s poem says it all, and I was so glad to know that you, Charlotte Emma and Sarah were able to take some comfort from the kindness and caring that has been shown to you during this incredibly difficult time. So many folk whose lives have been turned upside down… poor Tina who has also written on this blog no doubt feeling as lost as you are. “In time, this too shall pass….” is what I am clinging on to, and I send my love as always to you and your family. Just remember to hold tight to the memories and the fact that we are to each other, all we need to be. You will get through this. Ali xx

My dear Tina, I’m so terribly sorry to hear that you have lost your husband and can’t even begin to imagine what a shock it must’ve been to you as he was ill for just a short time, and no doubt what happened was totally unexpected… So much harder for you because of the Covid situation too. I very much hope that you have found some form of counselling either online or on the telephone and that there will be friends and family who can support you and spend time with you restrictions allowing? I know that we have been in touch here on the blog for years, and I remember so well you talking of your life together with your husband. I hope that in the days ahead those happy memories will be with you to comfort you, because they are yours alone, and they can never be taken. I am sending you my love and a hug, and pray that things will ease for you in time. Ali xx

Hi there Martin, yes we are all well and I’m glad you are too. Well done for being ahead of the game with your Christmas present shopping! I still got a fair bit to do but I will look forward to my card. Thank you, love Ali xx

Hi there Elaine, glad you enjoyed the blog and yes the pumpkin Trail was great fun. I think quite a number of people have done this across the country so hopefully it might be the start of something new. Luckily for me Colin sorted the washing machine and it’s working perfectly now. I hope you’re well? With love, Ali xx

Dear Mary, so sorry to know that John has had to shut up again but glad that at least he can provide takeaways at the weekend – I hope that’s helping. I do hope you feel safe at school still – Lucy has got three year groups self isolating but she is continuing to go in. Please do look after yourself especially because of your previous health history. Were you able to see your mum on Friday? So hard when we are separated like this. What a shame you and your twin had to cancel your yearly visit to Milton Keynes. You’ll have to make it a weekend away next year! It is a relief to be able to buy things online isn’t it and my postman and the parcel delivery folk are here most days. Have you been watching the bake off? I always think of you whenever I watch it and these beautiful cakes that you have made over the years. I really think you should give it a go! Well done for sorting out your Christmas cake – not sure if Colin and I will make one this year. Thanks as always for writing to me and keeping in touch, keep on looking forwards and I’m sure the New Year will be brighter and happier. Take care, love Ali xx