New Year:The Last Words Of A Sentimentalist

Well as conversations go, I couldn’t see the problem.

The end of the year seems to make all of us into philosophers and analysts, and my wife was in suitably reflective mood. Looking back on 2013, she considered the highs and the lows, the blessings and the challenges. She paused when thinking of loved ones lost. She talked of the things that she had found trying, the uncertainties of life that caused her to worry, but also the successes that brought her great joy. She talked of our growth as a couple, and as a family, the way our children were continuing to blossom, and looked forward to greater opportunities for us all in 2014.

Then she asked me to give my perspective on 2013.

“Well, the most emotional parts was Agnetha Fältskog coming out of exile, and Tom Baker appearing at the end of the Doctor Who anniversary special.” 

It was when I saw the look on her face that I began to falter.

“Erm….” (where was I? Oh yes-emotional) “James Herbert dying too….I loved his books when I was younger.”

She seemed to be waiting for something else, but I couldn’t fathom what, and as the silence grew between us, she then said, in a very clipped fashion:

“And what about plans for 2014?”

I didn’t feel, exactly, that she was testing me, but I did begin to feel uncomfortable, and thought that the best policy was honesty:

“Well, I am expecting City to win the league.”

Best Wishes to you all from North Manchester General Hospital. Hope the year is a good one for all of us single people.