Andrew Dickens Afternoons

My Dad died 24 years ago this month and my Mum died two years ago in July.  Winter has not been kind to my family.24 years ago my Dad’s death was quite hard to take.  I was young, he was young.  Only two years older than I am now.  With hindsight I know that Dad missed so much by leaving so early.  All his family’s adult acheivements.  The birth of four grand children.My Dad’s death was one of the first amongst my mates so they all turned up and Dad’s wake turned epic.  But my friend’s Dad had died even younger and so my mate gave me a word of advice that I have passed on to everyone because it was bang on.He said call me in a six weeks and I’ll come and help.The point of that was that at the time of a death, the adrenaline kicks in.  There’s a funeral to organise. Photos to be found, coffins bought, making an order of service.  The phone is ringing off the hook with well wishers.  People popping round with frozen meals.  She’s all go.Then there’s the funeral.  Then there’s the slow return to normal habits an