One thing about being a card carrying member of the grumpy and old brigade is that the older you get the more likely you'll see friends drop off the perch as I have over the past few days. That makes me grumpier than ever!
Two close friends, one very close, both passed away after long battles with cancer. Both were given the all clear in late 2015. Both copped an about face prognosis this year following further tests.
Both were mums to young kids.
The one I've been extremely close to since we were 4yrs old is my best mate's sister who was a year older than us. Their own mum died when we were 17 and Linda, as the oldest sibling, took on the motherly role for my mate and his other younger sisters. Their dad played 33 or so games for North in the 60's and I've dubbed him "collarbones" for the 6 week suspension he copped during his North playing time.
I spent much of the past couple of weeks reminiscing with Linda in her hospital room and was planning on visiting yesterday as well, before being informed of her passing an hour prior to Saturday arvo's GC game.
So, needless to say, I'm primed to take on the Dogs this week. The perspective a loss of life brings is incredible, and it made watching Saturday arvo an absolute breeze, not particularly caring about the small stuff I'd usually go spare over.
Waffle over.
Life is very fragile and short. Make the most of yours!