Yesterday was the tale of two brothers:
Princes William and Harry unveiled a statue erected in memory of their late mother, Diana. It would have been her 60th birthday.
There has been much speculation about their relationship in recent months – rows, tensions, hurts, the involvement of other family members… Yesterday they presented a united front.
In a joint statement William and Harry said: ‘…we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better. Every day, we wish she were still with us…’
Yesterday was also the tale of two sisters:
Kim Leadbeater won the Batley and Spen by-election in West Yorkshire, the constituency where her sister Jo Cox was MP until she was murdered in June 2016.
Brendan Cox, Jo’s husband, said: ‘…We’re all incredibly proud of what Kim’s done. She was incredibly brave to step forward…’
Kim said: ‘It was a very big decision to put myself forward. It has been a very emotional campaign and today is very emotional for me for lots of reasons … But if I can be half the MP Jo was I know I will do her proud and I will do my family proud.’
Musing on families, on falling out, on life and death, on remembering those no longer with us, on accepting the past and present, and moving forward…
Musing on my brothers… Chris’ ongoing treatment for prostate cancer… He says: ‘The doctors are running out of solutions. I have back problems too… But God is so good. His presence is a reality.’
Last Sunday: ‘Preached at Pontault this morning on the love of God – two services. Very moved… I came home exhausted but oh how happy.’
It was his 75th birthday on Tuesday: ‘A great day for me surrounded by my children and grandchildren. I am a fulfilled man.’
malcolmsmusings.org 