Oh, this hurts on so many levels. I'm sorry for what happened to Sally. I'm sorry that you feel weighed down by this. I'm sorry that you feel some have distanced themselves from you. It's been my observation that most people don't deal with this stuff very well. They don't want to say the wrong thing or intrude. In doing so, they forget that what you most need is the connection and the feeling that they are there in whatever capacity.

I'm wondering if the issue with Sally has been a trigger for you too in a way - she represented hope but her sudden death is a scary reminder of how little control we all have. If there is one thing I wish people would realise, it's that none of us know how long we have. Those with life-threatening illnesses have to think about this and confront it on a daily basis. They learn to face their fears as you have and try to keep them in perspective while they get on with the business of savouring life and living it to the full. Most people don't think about this stuff unless they have to and if they know somebody who is actually going through this, it can be too confronting for them. They prefer denial but through that denial they are also denying the essence of what it means to be alive, to live, to love, to just be.

I have been having similar issues with friendship. I've felt at times over the last year that I am out of step with things ... maybe expecting too much from people who are already stretched thin. Unable to give more or to take someone in. I don't expect that level of friendship from everyone but when you sense a certain connection, there are natural feelings that perhaps a real reciprocal, mutually rewarding friendship might be possible. When you realise the other person is just not that into you, it can be devastating.

You, Trish are one of the mainstays of my online and offline life. I wish that we lived closer than we do. One real life meeting is not enough! I love you and I hope you know that. xxx

Merry Christmas Trish and family and happy Wordless Wednesday! Great to see these pics of you and the boys. xxx

Not entering the contest but just have to say, that stuff looks GREAT. I love avocado so will have to go out and grab some.

I don't have any bad lunchbox memories. All good, tasty moments blur into one ...

It is an elephant - you're right. Life threatening illness is one hell of an elephant and we all know why.

Nobody wants to say the wrong thing. Nobody wants to appear insensitive. Sometimes, for fear of saying the wrong thing, they will say nothing at all.

Some people always know what the right thing is to do or say. Those people are gold.

I think I sometimes fall in between the two camps. I wish this was not the case. I would like always to know how best to help but sometimes I don't know what to say. Even as I'm writing this I'm worrying that it isn't coming out right.

You must know though that you amaze me every day with your outlook on life. Not just now but always. It was one of the things which drew me towards you as a friend. I have much to learn from you. Just know that you are always in my thoughts.

I can imagine William loving these - might make them with him one day.

I agree with you - hit the craving with what you crave and make it go away. Sometimes that's the best thing. =)

Trish, you are always an example for me of how to be a better person. Just wanted you to know that.

And yes, I do talk to strangers or they come up and start talking to me. You never know who you might meet that way. =)

Oh Trish, I agree with Claire. The time to whinge is now only it's not whingeing okay? Let's get that clear. You have to be able to talk about this because it's too much to keep to yourself.

It's just gruelling - no two ways about it. I'm sorry too that the boys were so sick. What a nightmare. There are some situations in life that are just pure misery and one of those is everyone in the house being ill at once. Hopefully at least the boys are well on the mend now and you don't have to worry so much about that aspect of things.

Being present and focused is sometimes the only way to get through. Your observations are very timely as usual. Hope you are feeling better today. xx

Choc caramel slice will always trump Nice biscuits (even though I'm not averse to those either). Very generous and thoughtful of you to bake - what a fab idea!

I have the declutter bug too. I don't know when or how I'm going to have the fortitude to tackle our shed though. I seriously think that if I so much as set foot inside, it may be the last straw for its structural integrity. The cat's p!$$ is probably the only thing that's holding it together.

This time of year always feels like a good time to have a lull though, doesn't it. Hope you get lots of rest when you can. xx

I love that I love this post! I know the day is past but it makes me want to write one too. It is so hard for many people to accept their bodies, let alone love them. You speak so much truth here and you are beautiful!

Great series of pics, Trish. I'm very glad you've been able to finally move treatment a bit closer to home. Hope you are feeling good today. xx