Well, It's been a number of months since I last posted on my blog and I have a good excuse. Unfortunately back in May, my father sadly passed away after a long illness. About 7 years ago he became sick and within 2 weeks, was virtually incapacitated. The diagnosis was COPD - a chronic lung disorder - more commonly called emphysemia.

Dad had worked in hazardous environments all his life, including 18 months Submarine duty while serving in the Navy. Years working in construction during the pre-legislative asbestos era and many years working in the dirty farming industry. This is however, sub-contributories to the main reason why he contracted COPD, the main reason being smoking. For 40+ years he smoked 40+ cigarettes per day, which obviously left his lungs full off dirt which was impossible to move.

Nevertheless, although my father and I didn't have too much of a relationship to speak of, a look at his work history tells you what a hard worker he was. I didn't spend too much quality time with him as a youngster and spent most of my teenage years and adult life butting heads with him, but I can't deny that was caused by working in demanding jobs, for low pay, while he was putting food on the table and clothes on the backs of three children (me and my 2 younger sisters).

Each of us have turned out to be good people in our own ways, my oldest sister being a good mother and wife (expecting a third little bundle in January), with two fine and good little children. My younger sister having completed a course in hotel management and settling with a boyfriend in the NE of Scotland, and myself having travelled around a bit, and being now in possession of 50 Higher modules and well on the way to a Law Degree. Not bad for three farmers kids.

We have all faced our problems head on, and our work ethic has grown out of watching our father trail himself out of bed at 5 every morning to work a minimum 12 hour shift. I worked alongside my dad on a Saturday milk delivery round, and learnt how to treat other members of the local community and why good manners and appearance were so important.

In short, I have taken the good parts of my dads demeanor for myself, and will never forget the good lessons he has taught me. Hopefully my son will benefit from me in the same way, without having to learn from the mistakes that my father made with me.

For that I'm truely grateful.