I am saddened to share another casualty close to home from the war in the Middle East. Anna and I send our condolences to the family of Sergeant Michael E. Swinton of Fayetteville, who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq. He leaves behind his wife and children. May his memory be a blessing.
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales
As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.
Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
Despite all that has gone before I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.
William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.
To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.
🎬 by Will Warr
@imheretoscream@dog_rates Same , i thought they were posting unalived dog pics and I got all the wet eye at my gate at the airport - when I was composed enough to go to 2nd photo I wanted to kick myself. 🤷♀️🤔
Today, I lost more than a friend; I lost a part of my soul, my history - Jeffrey Foskett, my dearest friend, brother, and the brightest light in my life, has left this world.
This morning, when I got the news, uncontrollable tears streamed down my face, a physical manifestation of the heartache within.
My son Billy heard my cries, joined my wife in holding me up, and then ran off, only to return with a small, tender offering – a drawing. His innocent hands sketched a picture of Jeff with hearts ascending to heaven, with me, waving goodbye. A stairway of hearts, and next to the top heart, he wrote God. A simple yet powerful symbol of love and loss that pierced through my grief.
Jeff was more than just a friend; he was the one who brought the harmonies of The Beach Boys into my life, and with them, a spectrum of color and joy I never dreamed would be part of my life.
He was a vibrant force, a radiant soul whose laughter and wisdom touched everyone he met. He was an older brother in spirit, guiding, lifting, and loving me, sometimes more than I thought I deserved.
Jeff taught me that love is a beautiful and necessary part of our lives, but it comes with a cost—the unbearable pain of loss. It's the kind of pain that can make us question whether we should ever allow ourselves to love so deeply, so completely. Should we keep our walls up and shield our hearts from the world in an attempt to avoid the sharp, immense sorrow that follows when we say goodbye to someone we hold dear?
But then, as I reflect on Jeff's remarkable life and the profound impact he had on mine, I realize that this pain is the price we pay for the privilege of knowing and loving someone like him. Yes, the pain is excruciating and cuts deep into our souls, but it is a testament to the depth of our connection.
Yet, when I think of the 40 years we shared – the uproarious laughter, the music that we believed changed lives, and the unshakable bond of brotherhood – I can't help but feel grateful. Grateful for every moment, every note, every piece of wisdom he shared with me.
Jeff was larger than life. His talent, his laughter, his ability to make everyone feel seen and heard – these are gifts that he gave freely and generously. He filled every room with his presence, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
Now, as I hold my son and try to explain the unexplainable, I am reminded of the fragility and beauty of life. Billy's drawing, a heartfelt depiction of Jeff's journey to a peaceful afterlife, is a poignant reminder that love, in all its forms, transcends the physical world.
Jeff, saying farewell is a task I am not ready for. You have left an indelible mark on my heart, but the legacy of your love and laughter will continue to resonate within all of us.
So, as I say goodbye to my dear friend, I choose to remember not only the ache of his absence but also the brilliance of his presence.
Rest in peace, my brother. You were loved immeasurably and will be missed beyond words.
XO, JOHNNY
If only we had a Prime Minister like Mrs Thatcher now. She wouldn't allow terrorist supports on our street's throwing fire works at our police. And she certainly wouldn't allow them to desecrate the Cenotaph or beat up poppy sellers
The adoption fees for cats and kittens have been sponsored for a two-day Jacksonville Humane Society event in loving memory of "Missy." https://t.co/stGC6BXAWM
#Iraq / #USA 🇮🇶🇺🇸: "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" carried out a rocket attack on Ain Al-Asad Airbase in #Anbar Governorate.
The attack was very likely carried out with 122mm #Iran-made 🇮🇷 "Arash" or #Russia-made 🇷🇺 9M22U Grad rockets.
The days of waiting have become harder and harder as the odds grow longer and longer, but Kevin Baclig remains undeterred in his search for his wife and her parents, missing since Aug. 8 when a wildfire engulfed and flattened the Hawaiian town of Lahaina. https://t.co/U9U2IiAjbA
Edarian Price was arrested in New Jersey Friday morning for the murder of Jermarien T. Edwards, ending a 20-day search for the wanted man. https://t.co/aIl5iyDoG6
Part of the road collapsed during Hurricane Nicole and Vilano Beach residents were stuck in their homes. Flooding is now impacting the area again. https://t.co/Kb7Fgy5zcV