How We Live Now

It seems a bit too soon since I had to write one of these posts. But something happened last week which I'm hoping will explain my recent absence from all the usual blog-related activities.

I've given it a lot of thought but this is a blog about my life, and that of my family, and I want to share these recent events. Not in detail but simply to let you - readers and friends - know what we've been doing of late. I held off posting over the weekend because it's Easter and people have been enjoying time together and the beautiful weather and the prospect of spring.

Last week my brother's partner of 14 years died unexpectedly. She was 36. They have a four-year-old daughter and a baby girl, born eight weeks prematurely, who is now three weeks old. She's still in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and will be until early May. There are investigations going on into the care my brother's partner received both during and after the birth.

The past week has been spent caring for Joe, my brother and dealing with formalities and the huge emotional impact of what has happened. Suddenly my role as auntie got a whole lot bigger.

We're preparing for the future and ensuring that two little girls and their dad will be fine.

Right now I'm trying to keep on top of things. We had a nice Easter for Joe with egg-hunting and good food and walks. Lots of photos were still taken. But currently it's all about prioritising; apologies for missing any Instagram tags or blog link-ups or contributions. I do have some draft posts which I may publish over the next week or so. And I have been reading all your blogs.

Again, like when my mum passed away, I might publish some picture-heavy posts chronicling the good things in life, the little things. They're the most important things too.

I hope I haven't saddened anyone with this news. I will be back, and I will be reading. And I know you'll understand.

Sarah.