I’ve just had my first week back at work after taking several weeks of personal leave. I took that leave because my partner died after a major stroke in mid August. We were together for 30 years and he had not otherwise been unwell so the shock is significant and the grief will be enduring.
I wanted to post this as I have a wide networks of colleagues and friends scattered around Australia and the world and, while we may keep each other company every day on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, we may not have had a chat for a while. Many of you will know of my partner, whether you have met him or not. I wanted you to know that this has happened. It’s something that weighs on me markedly, and will do so for the foreseeable future.
I am OK and being extremely well supported by my family, friends, and colleagues. They are all reminding me in their own ways that life beyond this can still be full of hope, love, and laughter. I look forward to getting there.
Dr Tseen Khoo 