Absent Fathers

An old friend of mine is one if many amazing fathers who is not with his child today. He's serving in Afghanistan.

Yesterday, as I was driving home from a trip away, the news announced that Britain had lost yet another of it's servicemen/women. From the 3rd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Staffords). That's Matt's regiment.

Before Matt went away his wife distributed some charity wristbands for these guys, all of them knowing that money would be needed at some point for the treatment of any of them that were injured, or for the support of families that lost someone. Of course, they were right.

After a day of trying to find out if he was ok, I managed to have a chat with Matt via Facebook. He is ok. But someone else isn't. There's a huge amount of relief associated with finding out that someone you care about is safe, but this is quickly followed by the feeling of guilt that only comes with being relieved that it was someone else. It's a horrible feeling and one that I can't quite describe.

Matt, we want you home safe and well, and all your comrades too. I can't agree more with your comments regarding Mr Cameron's 'Absent Fathers' speech today. Let's all remember why Matt isn't at home with his wife and baby today.