Friends

It's funny how a trip to the other side of the world makes you realise how much you love the people at home. We haven't even left yet, but suddenly all events are tinged with the excitement and gentle sadness of leaving.

Last week was Barney's baptism. I looked around the room and every face was loved, every relationship suddenly thrown into the spotlight of history, affection and shared experience. I couldn't think how to express it - and all I could say was something fumbling about 'how much everyone means to us'. That really doesn't explain it. Each person has had a unique, irreplaceable role in our lives. We are who we are because of them, but I'm sure that most wouldn't see themselves like that and would think that I was talking about someone else.

Last night Claire and Rob came round to eat and play Canansta. I've know Claire since I can remember, and Rob for a good long time... but it was that moment of watching Claire giggling as Rob struggled to fit Oliver (their son and our godson) into the car seat that I realised again... These are people who I love... They know me, I know them, I am proud of Oliver, proud of them, utterly comfortable in their company. And I will miss them.

I guess I will feel this a lot over the next few weeks, and I'm glad. Life so often overtakes these moments and really this is what life is about. To know and be known is sweet.