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Grief

 Today, we got unwelcome news, my sister died of a massive stroke caused by a blood clot.  We don't have the details, I received a call around 4 from my niece.  She called me from Newcastle where she lives.  she was making arrangements to fly to Strasbourg where her mother and father lived for the past 40 years.  2023 is turning into a horrible year for the family.  My niece wanted to inform me that she had died, and there were no plans yet for funerals I last saw my sister at Christmas at our son's wedding.  Like our brother, she looked fine, and in good health.  We would see her more often than my brother as two of her children live in the UK, still, it's a shock.

It reminds me, in a more dramatic fashion of the events around Princess Kate who seems to be living her own kind of hell.  99% of the news about her or rumours are lies, they are not into public disclosure and if the Palace wanted people to know, they would say something.  Equally, I found it surprising that the King spoke nice words about Harry and Megan's new venture.  He didn't have to do that, on the other hand, it is a clear signal that Harry's life is away now away from the UK permanently.  

Life is full of challenges, as my wife says at least we have our health.

Note:  My brother was more than 20 years older than me, and my sister is 19 years older.  I had a profound relationship with my sister as she was my guardian during the last three years of my mother's life.  Not so much with my brother who hardly ever visited the UK. 




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