In the last couple of weeks alone, I’ve lost two mates to cancer. They had no choice in the matter, they fought bravely…and lost.
I’m at the age now where way too many mates are meeting their maker.
Over the years, I’ve also lost mates who did have a choice…but sadly decided alone that the time was now, and took their own lives.
All of them were great individuals, from those who had no choice, to those who did.
I’ve come to believe that only the good die early, as I don’t know of any arseholes who have gone before me.
We are all breakable, every single one of us. I know…as I was that man several years ago now.
We all have cracks in our character’s armour, whether we choose to admit it, or we continue to hide it. But it’s those very cracks which can let the light in. That light is all around us. In family, in friends, and even in organizations set up in the likes of social media to bring all of those with cracks together as one. Allowing for the light to flood through those cracks, back into your lives, and look forward and not backward…only to move ahead with positive vibes.
I touched on this a few weeks ago with social media friends. However there are far too many individuals out there screaming from the rafters for help. Yet when that help arrives, they’re still not willing to let the light in.
Ultimately it’s only you that can let that light in. It’s your call to move forward with the utmost positive attitude…because you, your loved ones and your friends all deserve it.
If this wee shout out can be read…it may help somewhat to make all the difference to an individual. Mates or not, I really do care.
From someone with cracks…who let that light come flooding in…and today, and for a long time now, I’m so pleased that I did…and so are the people around me!
Bob Shepherd 
Beautiful words Bob, I agree, you have to be prepared to let the light in to move forward.
It’s hard for some blokes to do this(conditioning , shame, background or broken by circumstances).
However like you mention, swinging from the “Rafters” you can only hang for so long…..
Thought provoking. Some days I feel empty and then my son runs into the room and spreads light and hope on the future.
Your words make me think. Thank you.
Thank you for these very true words Bob – i for one have been there in terms if loss – also realize the cracks and the frail construction of men looking at myself first always – and yes let the light in Amen and Thank You
So well put Bob, hit a lot of very similar notes and tones in my life. Will most definitely be sharing these words of wisdom, thank you.
Great words and direction Bob, I have been in that dark place, but thankfully I did pull open the gap and let the light in, I push and try and help others to do the same, and succeeded on some occasions. Light at the end of the tunnel is so true! Best wishes from one Bob to another X