Bringing in the New

Nine days ago, at the tender age of forty-five, I became a father. Welcome to the world, Minka Rose Letcher. The name is Polish I think, and it means 'strong'. We are over the moon.

Minka's arrival doesn't change the fact that a year ago we lost another child, nor can it hope to wipe away the agony of that loss: it would be unfair in the extreme to burden her with that. But like the blessing of spring after a long, harsh winter, she's brought joy into our lives again.

We've been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of family and friends, and in particular by the small army of people dropping off meals in a box outside our door, allowing us to remain blissfully in our bubble without having to worry about the practicalities of living. Thank you all. What a community.

And though I don't want to single out any particular gift there is one that I'd like to share here. For wrapped around two beeswax candles was a note from Eric, the canniest and most respected beekeeper in the village. 

'I've told the bees' he said.

What a blessing. What a welcome.