I was inundated with messages on Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, Text, LinkedIn and Email - from kindly friends and contacts who wished me well - both in terms of "happy birthday" and "happy surgery" messages.
This week, my beloved cat Debbie Boo died, plus I heard that someone I had known from years ago when I was at university recently committed suicide. Both losses have hit me really hard.
Once again I've been astounded by the number of messages I've received from all quarters, offering words of kindness and support.
Human connection like these means a huge amount, it really does.
So my message to everyone reading this blog is: reach out to someone in need, offer your support, ask if there's anything you can do to help, be there for someone, be supportive, just listen. That's often all that's needed - someone to listen.
Thank you all.
xxx
Gordon and Debbie Boo are together again now.