Friday Jan 27 2006

Lynne's had a few breast problems last few weeks and anti-biotics haven't sorted them. Today she says she's been referred to the breast clinic.
Two weeks for the appoitment to come through. Going private will make no difference. How the hell are we to handle the next two weeks?
Be strong, I tell myself. 'Don't worry' I tell her. 'It'll be all right. I know it will.
She had a couple of lumps removed a few years ago. They were benign. Is that a good sign or a bad sign?
Does my two heart attacks, bypass surgery and full recovery mean we've had or bad luck...or had our good luck?
It's been a tough week at work. Messed around by politicians, fighting hard for exclusives. In the end we came through and the Echo beat everyone into a cocked hat. Culture Exclusives, New museumlosing its funding exclusive, Grange Hill the Movie exclusive; great human interest stuff on a boy with his throat slashed and a shocking ID theft. The Echo has really led the way.
But today, it doesn't seem to matter that much any more.
I don't want to think about life without Lynne.
Then there's Sue going. She's been Echo editor's PA for 31 years and had worked for seven editors. Basically all editors are slightly mad and for Sue to cope with, and organise, seven of them is a tribute t her nature as much as her professionalism.
She will leave a gaping hole at the Echo. She's part of what makes it a great paper. I will miss her like mad.
Not a good day.