One of those days that should never happen

It started out so normal. I went to my sister's shop for a pedicure and then we went and had breakfast together. It was good to just catch-up.

We had planned to spend the afternoon at friends and have a braai. They have been helping us to look at houses and really want to help us to get settled.

Just before we were ready to leave my son got a phone call from his friend to say that he was on the way to the hospital because his dad was not doing well.

J is like another son to us. His mom passed away suddenly in 2010 and since then he has seen us as a safe place. After her funeral he phoned us and said please could he come and stay with us for a few days and he has been welcome any time ever since. He is only 16 years old.

Last year J and his sister received more devastating news. Their dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He has been putting on a gallant fight and has been very strong and positive, but last weekend he took a turn for the worst and was addmitted to hospital.

At around 1:30 today he called us to say his dad had passed away. His only request was to come and be with us. We were able to fetch him later in the afternoon and I know we are the place where he feels safe and part of a family. It was all the more difficult for him this time because his sister was away in Durban this weekend. (She is only 18 years old)

J's sister will be driving home tomorrow and in the meantime he will stay with us and we will keep him busy with a lot of young people around him.

My heart is so broken for these two young people and I know I will always be there for them. They will always be children of my heart!