Simon Blake

As we approach the end of the year I always take a few moments to reflect on what I am grateful for. Over the last few years those thoughts have moved from the back of a diary to this blog. For me 2021 started off rough. Mum died on 31 st December 2020 which was devastating. It was also a relief because I couldn’t bear to see her suffer any more, and had she lived even days longer I don’t think we would have been able to honour her wish of dying at home. I miss Mum enormously. Even though we don’t yet know how yet and we continue to live with enormous uncertainty, the impact of 2021, like 2020 will be felt for years to come globally, domestically, in cities, communities and families.  However the old saying goes whilst each day may not be good, there are good things in every day. If we apply that to the year there is lots I am grateful for.   Here are some of my top ones: 1.  Memories of my darling Mum: in one of our last conversations she said when you need...

Every year, normally in between Christmas and New Year I settle in to reflect on the year and think about what I am grateful for. It used to be a back of the notepad list and then over the last few years I have blogged about it. This year I don't think that period is going to be a time for quiet reflection.  2020 has been a bit of a beast of a year for so many reasons, and the impact of this year will be felt in so many ways for years to come globally, domestically, in cities, communities and families.  That said if we apply the principle that each day may not be good, but there are good things in every day to the year there is lots I am grateful for.   So here is my top ten; 1. My gorgeous Mum and Dad:  After Mum's diagnosis with late stage cancer in August, I have had the privilege of living with them both as we walk together writing Mum's final chapter. It hasn't always been easy emotionally or practically, but every single day they amaze and delight me. I am...

This time of year I always get tense about Andrew being dead. I use the word tense deliberately even though it may be an odd word to use, but it describes how my mind feels. Since Andrew died I have had a recurring nightmare. In it I always have the chance to save him and I choose not to, or wasn't able to - it varies. Sometimes I couldn't and sometimes I wouldn't. Either way I wake up breathless, angry and upset.  Initially this happened every night, then three or four times a week and now only occasionally around his birthday and the anniversary of his death on 7th July. About two weeks ago I started having the same dream and the same feelings again.  Now familiar with the pattern of the grief I have taken to comforting myself with happy memories. Of course I wish Andrew was still alive, but the cold brutal fact is he isn't, and I want to be - and am - grateful for the fun times we had.  I am writing these for two reasons - who knows how long I will re...

Every year I spend a bit of time reflecting about the things I am grateful for over the past year, and think about anything I want to carry into the year ahead, or indeed anything I want to jettison. Normally I write them in the back of a diary. This year i have read a few blogs which gave me some useful insight and learning so thought I would share. So here, in no particular order, 10 things I am grateful for in 2018.   Running – one of my New Year’s Resolutions for the last five years has been to keep my running fitness up all year round which I have never managed before. Giving up smoking aside this is probably the first year I have kept any NY resolutions ever. Highlights include: completing the 1000 mile running challenge; getting new PBs in 5k, 10k and half marathon races. Next year my aim is to beat my marathon PB. Jake Shears - I may be 44 but this is a crush that is both serious and enduring. A signed book, a hug and a photo was special. Beaten only by Jake r...