Songbird

Sometimes the news seems like stories about different people in different places that don’t affect me. Yesterday’s news seemed very close to home…

Lady Susan Hussey, one of the late Queen’s closest aides, Prince William’s godmother, resigned. Her comments to a prominent black domestic abuse campaigner appeared to show deep misunderstanding and racism…

The news: Institutional racism exists and is widespread…

NHS research found that over 25% of 17-19 year olds have mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression. This research into the mental health of young people, included details of widespread behaviour issues, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, self-harm, suicide…

The news: There’s a decline in the mental health and wellbeing of young people

A new drug, lecanemab, seems to have beneficial effects for Alzheimer’s sufferers. This led onto the national data for Dementia: in the UK dementia affects more than 900,000 people; caring for people with dementia costs more than £25bn a year….

The news: Dementia affects many; it’s the leading cause of death.

The latest annual UK domestic abuse statistics… nearly 2 million people suffer some form of domestic abuse… 1,459,663 domestic abuse-related incidents and crimes. Of the 362 domestic homicides, 214 were female victims, killed by a partner or ex-partner…

The news: Anyone can be affected by domestic violence and abuse…

We learnt of the death of the Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter Christine McVie. To me she will be remembered for ‘Songbird’:

For you, there’ll be no more crying
For you, the sun will be shining
And I feel that when I’m with you
It’s alright, I know it’s right

Musing… bad, sad news… racism, mental ill-health, dementia, domestic violence… balanced with Songbird’s optimism, love and hope.

I read some 15-year-old sermon notes from my friend Alexander: ‘If you want the best, be the best… be a helper not a hinderance… be a believable believer.’  

Songbird…

And I wish you all the love in the world
But most of all, I wish it from myself