Happened yesterday and was quite a sudden thing. She and my wife's brother separated some time back and contact has been a mess, especially with regards to our nieces and nephews who were put into care due to a drama that a soap opera would be proud of.

Anyway, I never had a problem with her and we were on good talking terms before it all became estranged.

We only found out last week she was in palliative care due to cancer. I had been keen to establish contact when we found out if at the very least to show that she was cared about, which she was... but my wife felt it would be a bad idea. I have autism, so perhaps the social context here is just lost on me.

I just know I do find it hard when someone who at least at some stage was close passes away... I keep going over memories and conversations I can't have with that person and that a moment was lost in which to at least say goodbye.

Guess I needed to write this out somewhere.