Farewell Elda

Today was Elda's funeral.  She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 6 years ago and given 2 years.  The service was like Elda - full of grace and beauty. Her husband and son were so dignified in their profound sadness.

In the last six days Ellen and I have attended three funerals between us.  All were funerals of old colleagues.  None had reached 70.  All had short retirements after careers in public service.  None had lifestyles which would have contributed to their early death.  All left loving families.

Shit really.