A sorrowful trip to Sydney

On Friday I shall see my mother, my Auntie, and my cousins.

I wasn't expecting to see my mum again until Christmas, and I wasn't exactly sure when I was next going to see my mum's sister, who lives in New Zealand.

The cause of this sudden family gathering isn't a joyous occasion. The recent passing of a close family member has been deeply distressing. Yet, given the disease at play, on some, deeper level the suddenness has been appreciated as a blessing.

Motor Neuron Disease, known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in many parts of the world, and Lou Gehrig's disease in the US, is notorious in its ability to drag on for years. For many terminally ill patients a longer life expectancy might be greeted with gratitude, but often the symptoms of MND are so severe that a swift progression can hold bittersweet relief as our loved ones escape the indignities of a prolonged decline.

Writing on such sad matters isn't my forte, so I shall leave you with an image of the underside of the Sydney Harbour bridge, which I shall drive across on Thursday evening on my way to the northern shores of Sydney.

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