Today I've been thinking of all of those relatives who have gone before me and not just those died during service. The last member of the family I am aware of who died in service was a great-uncle. My great aunt never married afterwards and it is hard to comprehend how she then spent another 60 years in widowhood.
Last Sunday saw myself and the family attending a memorial service for Monster. It was an emotionally sore time but something he would have expected us to do. I also dread to think the racket if I'd not gone. Judaism tradition identifies people as mourners for a full year following the death of a spouse, sibling or parent. This is definitely something I can relate to as it is that first year that you have to go through and marking occasions without the person in question, first birthday, Xmas, etc. I am aware that life will never be the same it is just how we all come to terms with the situation.
