Thank you

A personal note to thank each of you who sympathised with me over the past weeks on my father’s death. Texts from teachers kept me fully aware that the boys were praying for him. My mother was so impressed that children- and indeed their parents and grandparents- whom he had never met were thinking of and praying for Dad. While he did not get better, we feel the prayers were answered as his passing was so peaceful. Mass cards are a perennial topic of convOersation on phone-in shows, but things such as Mass and sympathy cards help greatly, as knowing someone is thinking about your situation is a great comfort.

Community has become something of a debased currency, but the true meaning of community is when people look out for each other and see if people are alright. Certainly the community spirit in our School is very very strong- whether in celebration or comiseration.

Like most men and their sons, there were times in our lives when Dad and I did not ‘pull’ as we might say in the country ( I will ignore the other meaning entirely!). During Hallowe’en break, I took my courage in my fist and told him I loved him. It was the best thing I ever did as it broke down so many barriers between us and allowed me to help care for him subsequently in private and very personal ways.

I count myself very lucky to have had the chance to say it.