I turned 60 this month. It feels ridiculous.

It will be our first festive season without Dad. His past presence is felt deeply in his absence. I’ve been thinking about the great care we received at the end of his life. Some places are a soft place to land when life feels particularly heavy. At O’Mara House, we found a true community of care at a time when my dad needed it most.

The Conversation: What can trees teach us about resilience and loss? A grieving daughter reflects. “She asks “what would the world look like if care became our organising principle?””

The Conversation: How charitable are Australians? “Evidence shows that both giving and receiving from others is associated with better mental health.”

Rune Soup: The Purpose of Ghosts

I’m pleased to finish this year. Amongst the challenges, there have been good things. I feel closer to my siblings. I appreciate the loving support from my family and friends. I’ve experienced joy as my kids and grandson grow and live good lives and share them with me. I have made home improvements, getting my fence repaired (thanks Peter) and bought furniture I love in the bedrooms. I achieved the VIT registration, as much as it annoys me that I had to do it. My collegues at work have been fun to work with and I couldn’t ask for more a more supportive workplace. I have continued learning astrology and Portuguese. I read 31 books, according to Goodreads; I think there were more, but I haven’t kept it up to date. I’ve donated money to causes that I care about.