To date, there have been three men of great influence in my life whom I have loved and respected above all else. When two of the three stepped out well before any of us were ready, not surprisingly, the devastation that ensued was nothing short of soul-destroying, and the profound heartache we have borne since has indeed been most difficult to bear.

The third, I am happy to report, just turned 90, and not only do I have the honour and absolute privilege of calling myself his granddaughter, but I also got to make his cake...