My life has changed. Upstairs two girls, aged 4 and 2 are breathing softly, overwhelmed by sleep. It is not simply better than I had expected, it is better than I had hoped.

Each day we are entangled more closely. Each day my heart softens and dissolves.

My father passed away this evening.

I feel strangely about it. Not grief so much as bewilderment. But I also feel it is time for me (finally) to grow up and to be substantially less devoted to self pity.

Many thanks to you all for your thoughts over recent days. I have been astonished by your kindness.