How life can change in the turn of a sixpence

What a positive post Jane. Things don't always change for the worst. So sorry to hear of your sad loss Hannah. I miss my sister's terribly and often wonder what kind of life they could have had if they had been born healthy. At least their deaths were expected. What a shock for you and your family, but such a brave sister to hold in your heart forever.

Jane yes indeed. Sadly things can change so quickly. So we must seize each day.

Very wise words from OP and everyone else.
Hannah, what a tragic loss, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Also to others who have lost their loved ones.
We lost my sister and my husbands father (my FIL) within five months.

It seems that a lot of us have been in very difficult and sad circumstance.
When I was thirteen years old one of our group of friends was hit and killed by a drunk driver jumping the red light. It happened right outside his mums bakery, she ran out to see what the disturbance was and saw her only son dead and one of his legs missing, the driver didn't stop.
She never got over it and shut herself in her house, keeping his bedroom the same for decades, until she herself died.

At eighteen I lost another friend, found dead in bed by his mum, he died from meningitis..
It scared me rigid that two lively boys could suddenly be gone.
I had a happy healthy life for many years , but then when my youngest son was ten I was diagnosed with MS.

Very wise words from OP and everyone else.
Hannah, what a tragic loss, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Also to others who have lost their loved ones.
We lost my sister and my husbands father (my FIL) within five months.

It seems that a lot of us have been in very difficult and sad circumstance.
When I was thirteen years old one of our group of friends was hit and killed by a drunk driver jumping the red light. It happened right outside his mums bakery, she ran out to see what the disturbance was and saw her only son dead and one of his legs missing, the driver didn't stop.
She never got over it and shut herself in her house, keeping his bedroom the same for decades, until she herself died.

At eighteen I lost another friend, found dead in bed by his mum, he died from meningitis..
It scared me rigid that two lively boys could suddenly be gone.
I had a happy healthy life for many years , but then when my youngest son was ten I was diagnosed with MS.

Very wise words from OP and everyone else.
Hannah, what a tragic loss, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Also to others who have lost their loved ones.
We lost my sister and my husbands father (my FIL) within five months.

It seems that a lot of us have been in very difficult and sad circumstance.
When I was thirteen years old one of our group of friends was hit and killed by a drunk driver jumping the red light. It happened right outside his mums bakery, she ran out to see what the disturbance was and saw her only son dead and one of his legs missing, the driver didn't stop.
She never got over it and shut herself in her house, keeping his bedroom the same for decades, until she herself died.

At eighteen I lost another friend, found dead in bed by his mum, he died from meningitis..
It scared me rigid that two lively boys could suddenly be gone.
I had a happy healthy life for many years , but then when my youngest son was ten I was diagnosed with MS.

I agree with the sentiments of all who sieze the day.

This is how I got my MS diagnosis.

I went out one Christmas eve for last minute look round. Husband and I were happily meandering around the shops.
I woke up in hospital on 6th January.
I remember nothing after being in the shops and next I know it was the 6th of January. The days inbetween I have no recollection of.

I was paralysed, unable to move and in the severe stroke unit hooked up to all sorts.
Not even able to press the bell for a nurse.
My first physio session was trying to raise my head from the bed.
I spent seven months in hospital with wonderful help, learning everything again as if i was a very weak baby.
Went home in a wheelchair.

So ladies and any gentlemen on here, everything can change in an instant. There is no warning, enjoy your life and be calm and loving to those important people in your life , including yourself.

My sympathies to all the people here who have lost someone close. I also find it difficult hearing about how long we are all living when so many people do die younger. My husband died in his 50s, as did other family members, including my mother.
This week I attended the funeral of a school friend who died of cancer in her mid 60s. I really intended to get together with her now we are both retired but time slipped by, she became ill and it did not happen. We were so close when young, doing everything together, including holidays, it has hit me harder than losing other family members.