Hmm…. Time to contemplate 50 years of existence.

Friday 9th November and so Happy 50th birthday to me!

There are greater tragedies to remember in November and every year I pay tribute in my own way to the waste of a generation. May their souls rest in peace.

But this November I will be probably focus on one or two people this year.

In particular my father.

He was a fine man and loved by all who met him. A mans man and a man for all people. A family man. I miss him.

Even when facing death there was bravery, dignity and strength.

I carry out this remembrance as a lucky man. Lucky to have had such a fine father and lucky to be able to celebrate 50 years of my life (and all of his life of 72 years) with my beautiful family and friends.

Lucky because not all of us get to 50 or 72 and one significant day in November reminds us of that.

But November also brings smouldering rebellion in the form of Sparklers, Fireworks, and bonfires.

Rebelling against the onset of winter

A brief spectacular display of illumination and magic. A celebration in spite of darker days.

The fallen are also energy and light. They too will return like the seasons.