I think the art of writing, like so many other things, was summed up beautifully by one of my all time music heroes, Harry Chapin in his song "Story of a Life."
"Now sometimes words can serve me well
Sometimes words can go to hell
For all that they do.
And for every dream that took me high
There's been a dream that's passed me by.
I know it's so true."
More about the late great Harry Chapin in future blogs.
So what exactly is this all leading to. Well simply to say that words are inadequate at times. This week our village lost one of its most loved people. The Rev Mary Kerslake died after what was decribed as a short illness.
Mary was a wonderfully warm human being who was an integral part of the life of our three villages - Hethersett, Little Melton and Great Melton. Originally a teacher, she then became an integral part of the parish churches in the three villages.
Over the years Mary seems to have been a constant in our family life. She wasn't somebody we saw every day or every week but you just knew that she would be there and she was there for everyone. Similarly her husband Harold is equally well known in the area and is a vice-president of Hethersett and tas Valley Cricket Club.
Mary was kindness personified and worked tirelessly both within the Church and the communities. On a personal note she christened our grandson Elliot and officiated at the wedding of our youngest son. Her passing was a great sadness for so many people and a great shock as she had seemed to be back to form after suffering a nasty and prolonged bout of shingles. Mary will be truly missed by everyone who knew her. Let's hope her life has been an inspiration to many people as I'm sure it was.
I particularly remember her as Mother Christmas a number of years ago at Colney Hall's Xmas celebrations. It is often light-hearted moments like this that for some reason stay in the memory.
When I put a piece on my Facebook page and sent out e-mails to inform people of Mary's passing I received an avalanche of people with their memories of a lovely lady.