skyring

Looking back a year, I find two posts:
http://skyring.livejournal.com/2006/05/13/
http://skyring.livejournal.com/2006/05/14/

The first, which everyone can see, is one of those "where in the world have you been" map things. Since then, I've added Turkey on the strength of a one day visit to Istanbul (which I thoroughly enjoyed). I've also been back to New Zealand, Japan (twice if you count several hours airside last July), the UK (three times), USA (twice) and Germany (twice).

The second, which I locked friends-only, described a Mother's Day lunch with Kerri's sister Robyn, who has since succumbed to the cancer that was first diagnosed last April. I have nothing but warm memories of Robyn. Even when she was feeling at her worst from the pain or the chemo, she was brave and considerate of others. Me, I'd be locked down so tight in my own despair I wouldn't be worth speaking to, but Robyn battled to the end, and oh, how I wish she were still with us!

My life has altered since last year, the major change being a new career as a taxi-driver. Somewhat to my surprise, I find I love it. So long as I get enough sleep, it's an easy and enjoyable way to make money. I'm good at it and I'm now the driver for what is probably Canberra's best and newest taxicab - a plum position.

My children are growing up. Both are in their final year of education - M finishing up her teaching degree and J last year of college. They have independent licences and are able to get themselves around without my (or Kerri's) input. Looking back to their first days, I marvel at how it all happened - wasn't it only yesterday that they were off to school for the first time, proud in their brand new uniforms?

By and large, we are happy and comfortable. But it could all change inan instant. Some unseen virus in our bodies, a moment's inattention on the road, a fluke of weather. How fragile and precious are our lives, and those of our family and friends!