Loss

Over the years I have lost many things as you might expect of one whose years exceed his girth.

I have learned many things also along the way and feel therefore that this particular challenge might suit a man such as myself.

Nothing prepares you for loss, it is by its very nature a debilitating smack on the head that says clearly "Well, now then, you didn't see THAT coming did you, you spurious old fart!"

But, there are losses and there are losses and though they both appear so similar, they are chalk and cheese. I might lose a shilling and curse my luck, or I might lose a valued customer and who can fault me for either. But I digress so forgive my fancies. Down to business.

Your greatest loss will by all accounts be the loss of someone close to you, a parent or a sibling or (heaven forbid) a child. When such important lives are cut short it is indeed a blow, and it knocks you sideways I promise. At the time you are cut to the quick and a period of mourning is necessary for you to come to terms and rebalance your life, and it may take weeks or months, or even years. But get over it you must for nothing is more important than your own survival.

They say time heals all wounds - but it doesn't. That is a damned lie and I know it.

The truth is that you learn to live with it, your own life goes on and you learn to carry it about in your heart always. Sometimes, when I am alone and in the mood I open up to all my departed friends and family members and we sit down and have a good old chat, shed a tear and drink to the good times, then I pack them away again and head off to work. And you will too given time and circumstance.

I do suppose it can affect your mindset and bring about periods of depression or feelings of intense moroseness. We cruelly label these things as baggage, so unkind.

The loss of love is something else entirely and it is a double edged sword that leaves its mental scar on both persons involved. I have lost love so I do know of the unending search into the whys and wherefores. The browbeating and re-reading of love letters over and over in an ever decreasing circle as you desperately seek answers to that horrendous question why?

But there are no answers I'm afraid, you must simply move on. The best remedy that I know of for heartbreak is work and lots of it. Stay in the company of cheery souls as misery loves company.

Gosh, I have bored you for such a long time haven't I? Go on then kittens - run along now and have some fun, life is far too short not to.