Facing adversity with courage

Just recently, several friends have found themselves facing life changing events including close family bereavements or serious illness. And despite the inevitable shock that any bad news generates, they have all shown remarkable resilience.  I know it’s very British to adopt a “stiff upper lip” but I think it’s more than that: these friends are courageous, selfless and supportive. Maybe some people develop, albeit subconsciously, coping strategies that they can draw on when times are tough. And that doesn’t mean being unemotional or in denial but using inner strength and bravery to face the situations before them. And that’s impressive.

Loving kindness

 A friend’s mum died unexpectedly earlier this week.  When I went to visit her today, knowing from experience that those first few days after a death are difficult, I took a carrot cake that I’d baked. I expect she’ll have plenty of visitors during the week and might appreciate something to offer them.  I still remember the thoughtful gestures shown to me when my parents died; home-made biscuits, a touching message on a card, a copy of a previously unseen photograph.  Such simple things in themselves but all sharing a powerful message of loving kindness during a time of sadness