.... this year.
I coped better the first year than I have this year.
I think several things have come together. My DD's FIL died unexpectedly a few weeks ago - they live locally so I knew him quite well. By extraordinary coincidence he was in the exact same bed in hospital as my OH; and then in the same bed in the hospice. It brought a lot of stuff flooding back.
OH's last Christmas was hell - he was in a nursing home and I used to be with him most of the day every day. I walked in on Christmas day to find all the residents happily together singing carols and opening presents. He was in his wheelchair on the other side of the room and I went over to wish him happy Christmas - he said: "Do you see how they have all gathered here to plot to kill me?" What can one say? His every waking moment was full of terror and I cannot shake of memories of this.
I love Christmas but in a way I will be glad when it is over. I can plod through "normal" life and need it back.
Anyone else finding this hard?
Evidence on Andy Burnham's National Care Service proposals
Good Morning Wednesday 29th July 2026
Burnham to tell schools in England to adapt teaching to local business needs- what do you think?
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