Reasons and No Excuses


I’ve tried many times to write this post… each time, I’ve found myself having something else to do. Before typing this I’ve popped a pile of washing into the machine, played chess against the computer several times (and won!) and even gone off to look out of the window.

I’ve tried to do anything but write. Oh, I’ve tried to write… yes, I’ve tried, but found myself having something else to do. Hence the chess. The window. Anything but…

However, I need to explain my absence. Explain why I’ve not been around as much lately. This post isn’t fluid, it’s probably grammatically wrong, but that doesn’t matter. Not for this post.

Without going into too much detail, my Dad passed away last week. He’s been ill for a while, but always got by with good humour even if he wasn’t feeling as good as he should have been. He always managed a laugh and a smile, and never really complained about feeling ill. He had aches and pains, as we all do, which occasionally got the better of him, but he always came back, again, with a laugh and a smile.

When he passed, I was determined – am determined – more than ever – to write my book. To make him proud of me. I’m sure that he already was, but this is something else that I want to do for him now. Actually starting it properly will be a step in the right direction there! We’ll see how things go on this front… I’ll write about this in a future post.

I’m not stopping blogging.

I’m still taking a break, and don’t know when I’ll be back. I apologise for not replying to your comments, or visiting or commenting on the blogs that I follow, but I will return one day… one day soon, once things are sorted and settled.

I just wanted to explain, that’s all, with reasons and no excuses.

See you soon… and remember to Feel Good!

30 responses to “Reasons and No Excuses”

  1. speccy avatar

    Tom, I’m so sorry for your loss. Talk to us anytime.
    I’m sure your dad was proud of you- he’s your dad & you’re rather fab 🙂

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, Fiona.

      Like

  2. CMStewart avatar

    My condolences, Tom. As Speccy said above, you’re rather fab. Anybody would be proud to be your relation. We’ll be here when you return.

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, CM. I’m working my way back!

      Like

  3. Visionkeeper avatar
    Visionkeeper

    Oh my dear Friend…Such a heavy time for you. I wish I could take some of it away but that heaviness will bring about change for you. Like the book 🙂 You know I am behind you 110 % !!!! I hope you are able to do it and dedicate it to him. He will know for sure. They see and know everything up there. He’s smiling down and hoping to see you smile again too, and you will. I hope things lighten up for you soon. I’m sorry TL that you had to go through this. There is a lesson to be learned in it for you to grow by! Be well T and take care. Sending love and hugs. Don’t answer this, just do what you have to do and find some peace within….Blessings….VK

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Of course I’ll reply, VK… I always do!
      Thank you for your kind words and thoughts! And I’m still gathering ideas for the book – it’s still going ahead!

      Like

  4. shreejacob avatar

    Oh Tom..I’m really sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. My condolences to you and your family. Take all the time you need 🙂 I’m very sure we’ll all be here waiting to be pinged by your next post 😀
    I’m glad to hear that you’re seriously thinking of taking that first step to writing your book..and that is sometimes the way life works 🙂
    All the best my friend! *hugs*

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, Shree. I can’t see you waiting too long for my next ping!

      Like

  5. lameadventures avatar

    It’s good to hear from you, Tom, but sad to know why you’ve been absent from the blogosphere. I extend my condolences to you.

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, LA.

      Like

  6. Let's CUT the Crap! avatar

    Sorry to hear about your Dad. No need to explain. We all know some parts of life are more important, demanding than others. You do what you must. We are still here. At a time like this, you need to look after YOU too.

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, Tess.

      Like

  7. Laura avatar

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Tom.

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, Laura.

      Like

  8. Diane Henders avatar

    I’m so sorry about your Dad – even when someone has been ill for a long time, there’s really no way to prepare for the reality of losing them. As you say, I’m sure he was proud of you, but writing your book will be a lovely way to honour his memory. Sending good thoughts your way…

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, Diane.

      Like

  9. penpusherpen avatar

    at times like this Sir Aquatom, there’s no need for explanations,… always you must do what’s best for you and your peace of mind… Grieving takes all forms,.. and blogging can take a back seat,… or can be a way to say what’s on your mind and in your heart… Your book sounds such a good idea and a lovely tribute to your father. I wish you all the best in whatever your future entails… I’ll be on the lookout for updates… take care my friend… xPenx

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, Pen.

      Like

  10. Gray Dawster avatar
    Gray Dawster

    It is very sad news to learn of your father passing,
    and there are no words to comfort one in these awful
    times but I can relate to your loss having lost my
    father in 2005, he too was a brave and extremely
    sincere and wonderful man and is missed every day
    my great friend. Your manuscript idea will be something
    very positive, it will be an adventure that holds true
    feelings, and a quest above all others. Your father will
    already have been proud of you Tom and all your
    future triumphs will only add to your achievements, of
    which I feel sure that your father will already have known.

    Keep adding to your uniqueness
    my friend and all will be well 🙂 🙂

    Andro

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, Andro.

      Like

  11. prenin avatar

    Sorry for your loss Tom. 😦

    I’ll be around if you need to talk.

    God Bless.

    Prenin.

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, Prenin.

      Like

  12. Deb avatar

    I’m very sorry for the loss of your dad, Tom!…I send my condolences. I never like saying that because it just seems so formal and without feeling, but how I feel is not important, but how you are feeling. So I’m sending you much love and hugs, my friend. And hope that you return to us soon.
    Hugs xxx

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Deb, thank you.

      Like

  13. Sue Dreamwalker avatar

    Tom I am so sorry for your sad loss of your Father…. Im just catching up and was saddened to here this news, and so you know you have my most sincere thoughts sent your way… Take your time… Your online blogging friends are with you.. And you have my condolences …
    Sending you an air-wave hug… ~Sue xxx

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, Sue.

      Like

  14. Madame Weebles avatar

    I’m very sorry to hear about your dad, Tom. Losing a parent is never easy, even when you think you’re prepared, when they’ve been ill for a while. Take as much time as you need, we’ll be here when you get back.

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, Madame W.

      Like

  15. kateshrewsday avatar

    Oh, Tom, I am late arriving to tell you how sorry I am. My Dad was very ill a few Summers ago and I just couldn’t think straight, so I can’t imagine how this must be for you. All my love, Tom, and take your time. I think the book would be a wonderful way to continue in his memory. All the best.

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you, Kate.

      Like

Would you like to leave a comment?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.