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Dignity

As the full horror of what has just happened in Norway was unfolding, David Shanks pointed me in the direction of something the Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said: “The answer to violence, is even more democracy. Even more humanity”. Powerful stuff from someone not afraid to show his vulnerability.

Earlier this week, Carole and I were talking about frailty and vulnerability. Carole concluded the conversation with these words, “When I am at my most vulnerable, please treat me with dignity”. She felt this should serve as guidance for us all, not knowing of course what was soon to follow.

I’ve been listening to some of the Norwegian people on the radio this morning as they gather in support of each other. No hatred spoken, more a sense of togetherness.

I don’t know about you but I’m with Jens Stoltenberg, the Norwegian people and Carole on this one.

 

Fill in the blanks

The picture above was taken last Sunday. It shows Keira’s innocent smoothie letters collection, there are a few gaps. This is a story about how friends and social tools helped fill in the blanks.

facebook two

Tuesday evening, the postman has been and there are two letters for Keira. Two letters containing three letters, if you see what I mean?

And so now, everything is in its place.

Thanks to Sara Headworth and Belinda Unasing for their swift generosity.

And the next time someone asks you “where’s the return on investment on social media?”, maybe you should ask them to talk to Keira?

A story of love and loss

Yesterday I found Keira playing a game of Ludo. Her competitors were two of her teddy bears, Chapman and Chapman (not a typo, more of that another day – maybe). Keira’s always wanted a brother or sister to play with and as I watched this quite happy scene my mind rocketed to a wonderfully moving post by one of the best, funniest, most moving writers it has been my pleasure to read and meet, northernmum.

In this particular post northernmum writes about miscarriage. My wife Carole has had three, and so sadly Keira will remain an only child. As a Dad I’ll never know the pain of loss which Carole has had to endure three times, I can only be there for her. And as a child of three I’ll never know how Keira really feels about having to play Ludo with her teddy bears, I can only step in and make up the numbers sometimes.

Like all of us I sometimes feel I’m racing towards death. And because of this I try and have as much useful fun as I can along the way. My observation of Keira this weekend just gone was a powerful reminder to me, and she, Carole and I have had a wonderful weekend doing, well not very much. But it’s been great fun.

Time stand still
I’m not looking back
But I want to look around me now
Time stand still
See more of the people and the places that surround me now

Summer’s going fast, nights growing colder
Children growing up, old friends growing older
Freeze this moment a little bit longer
Make each sensation a little bit stronger

Carole and I have been married 19 years today, I don’t know how she puts up with me and I’m glad she does. Happy anniversary darling.