Perspective indeed. reminds me of the time right after my first retirement when I went to work for a small company headed by a close friend .. many years younger thna I.

Working with/for personal friends always has its ups and downs and we were all very busy trying to make the company go ... some days were joyful, others exasperating and I felt my responsibilities were a big overwhelming.

Walked in one morning and most of the staff were already sitting in the board room, some with tears running down their cheeks. My young friend, brilliant man, spark plug of it all had just dropped dead with no warning.

Funny thing is I can remember that morning more clearly than the movie I watched last night ... but I can't for the life of me remember what it was that I was so busy with on that job ... the overwhelming tasks were hardly that overwhelming.

Brendon, my condolences to you and your family on the loss of a friend, and my thoughts are with your friend's family also.

Lisa

Brendon, sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. There isn't much anyone can say at a time like this except to sympathize. I've recently commemorated the birthday of a sibling who died 8 years ago while still young. When I hear of a bereavement I know words are futile. But, please accept my condolences.

Sorry to hear about the break-in too. It reminds me of an event some time ago, when our town was reminiscent of lawless Dodge City, and I disturbed two burglars in my home.

One of them ran at me with a screwdriver. I assumed he wasn't offering to do some DIY on my behalf!

Luckily, I had had a few minutes warning before I ran into them - time enough for me to get "prepared".

So one sharp tap with another close-at-hand, heavy DIY tool - and that guy's picture was well and truly nailed to the wall! His accomplice ran off.

Afterwards though, the possible ramifications of defending my home came flooding into my mind. Injury or worse. Prison perhaps. Next time, I don't know what I'd do.

Funny though, it never happened again.

Received the same news Brendon. And it must be devastating for the families.

I flew to Sydney on News Years eve for a funeral of an Aunty who was 69. Young in this day and age. On New Years Day i visited the home of a childhood friend i have not seen for about 16 years. He is battling Melanoma and i probably will not see him again. His partner is a strong woman who was smiling and fussed over us. Andrew did not speak of his illness, we just talked about growing up in Engadine and all the fun we had.

Perspective indeed. I have such a wonderfull life.

Thanks guys

Appreciate the comments.

I always thought I'd be fired up when someone broke into my house and stole stuff and made a mess, but it didn't phase me much at all.

Although I would like to have caught them in the act. :o)

Anyway, thanks.

Brendon