The New Year spirit has been dimmed somewhat by news from my daughter’s old school that a young boy there, 16 years old, took his own life yesterday. Katie knew him by sight, no more than that, but is quite distressed about the news, and even I have had it preying on my mind for most of the day. I can’t get my head around what would make anyone kill themselves – especially someone so young, with their whole life ahead of them. His Facebook page is now filled with dedications and stories from those who knew him, and if only he realised how much love and admiration and respect there was for him, things could have been different. My heart goes out to his family and friends – I can’t begin to imagine how his parents must feel.

Not really sure what the point of this post is, other than to say, whatever else you do today, make sure you let your loved ones know how you feel about them. Draw your children close tonight and tell them you love them and you are there for them, whatever life throws at them. Because life is short … so short … and you never know what’s round the corner.

RIP Colin. I never knew you but you’ve touched so many lives.

“When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.”
― Mitch Albom, For One More Day