Everyone deserves to be Happy...?

So, another day, another dollar ... as the saying goes.  The carnage still continues in the Middle East, Eastern Ukraine, etc, etc; the world watches and the politicians talk about talking ....

I do feel so sorry for the poor people caught-up in it all.

And yet, for many of us, life continues pretty much un-affected (so far) and we fight our various little battles every day - some wins, some losses, mostly we just keep battling.  And yet, occasionally, we are faced with moments of real happiness.

So I thought I'd focus on one of those and highlight some of the sunshine in my life, rather than the shade....!

Those who know me, will know that I have a sister who lives in Australia.  She will always be 'my little sister' and I'll always love her.

However, it is fair to say that, after a very difficult divorce, as well as some other family disagreements, our relationship is now best described as 'estranged'.

Very sad, but unfortunately that is sometimes the way of it.  Things happen and we all react in different ways.

Any divorce is tough, even the most civil and 'friendly' (such as my own).  I do not judge.

Having seen friends go through this experience a number of times, my own concern was always for the children - often the victims in these situations.

To be fair to Harry, my ex- brother-in-law, he does seem to have done that and all three of their children are growing into lovely young people.  And as they progress with their own lives, Harry has moved on as well.

Like me, he has also been challenged by cancer - in his case a very severe strain that affected his mouth and throat - the same variant that affected Michael Douglas (although he was at pains to point out that he had not contracted it in the same manner the Mr Douglas had claimed...!!!).

Throughout the last months of pain, illness, trepidation and treatment, Harry has been supported by his three children and his new partner Nadja and, after the 'all clear' several weeks back, they were married this past weekend.

No matter what had happened before that, this was something for them (and us) to be happy about.

And, to be fair to my Mum, she is a simple soul and not one to bear grudges, or stay angry.  She is thrilled to have contact with her grandchildren and to know that they are well and happy.

So, the day before the wedding, we called Harry on Face Time (sorry Skype-lovers..!) and had a face-to-face chat with the groom-to-be.  In fact I had spoken to Harry and the two boys the evening before, but they were still asleep at this early time in the morning - as Harold prepared his speech!

No matter, we were able to thank him for the contact with the children and wish him well with his new wife, her two daughters and his own three children.

And Mum got to bury a few hurts from the past few years - and personally thank the father of her grandchildren for bringing up such lovely young people.

Genuinely, a small, but significant ray of sunshine in this time of sadness and worry for so many.

And, in a salute to our family 'Down Under', some photos from the ceremony.

With the bride, her daughters and mother is my niece Sarah (bottom right) also looking beautiful.

And below, with the groom (centre) are my two nephews Taylor and Graeme. All splendidly turned-out in their dark suits and yellow ties (& socks!).

Well done guys!

So, how about we all take a moment to find the things we can be happy about - on our own behalf, or on behalf of people we love.

Harry and Nadja - Congratulations and I wish you long life and much happiness.

And to Taylor, Graeme and Sarah, we all love you and we're glad you were able to enjoy some fun and laughter.

Life can be tough, so grab the good times when you can.....