Tis the most wonderful time of the year

Christmas Heartbreak

Sometimes things happen that put everything into perspective. They make you re-evaluate what's important. That happened this morning for me and Guy.

Guy went into work as normal at 05:00. I'd gotten up to drive him in so he didn't have to walk or get a lift. It's a pretty usual occurrence these days, and while I'd rather be snuggled up warm in bed for another couple of hours I don't mind dropping Guy off. At least I know he's safe then. Don't get me wrong I do grumble about it sometimes - it's 05:00 in the morning after all - but it's a small price to pay.

At about 07:30 I got a text from Guy. I very blunt, matter of fact text. One of his friends/colleagues/manager, call him whatever you want, lost his wife last night in a car crash just before 21:00. We don't know what happened or what caused it. All we know is there was a three vehicle crash (a lorry and two cars), and that, unfortunately, his wife died at the scene; she was the only fatality. I've seen some of the pictures of the scene. The two cars look horrific. I'm surprised the other three people; the lorry driver, and the driver and passenger in the other car escaped with only minor injuries - they were very lucky.

As for the lady that died, I didn't know her, or even her name. I don't know her husband - only what Guy's told me in his rants about work - or her family, but I do know she was only 49 years old and leaves behind people that love her very much, and that's all I really need to know. It's all that really matters. She loved them; them love her and now she's gone.

Losing someone is always difficult, regardless of whether it was expect or not, but car crashes always seem more brutal some how. Bring in the time of year - which for some reason makes it resonate even further - and it's utterly heart-breaking. There won't be a Christmas for her family, at least not the one they planned; the presents will be left unwrapped; the dinner not cooked, and it will forever be tainted by this dreadful accident.

This news was like a reality check for me really. A suddenly awakening. It makes you want to hug your loved ones a little close and tell them you love them one more time. The stresses of this time of year pale in importance. I don't care that Guy spent way too much on presents and completely blew the budget. I don't care that I have to travel for three hours to see my family on Christmas Day. I just care that I have them in my life and I get the share my life with them. Year this I am truly grateful for that.