Its ignorance and fear that makes close friends behave like this,and we had our fair share of that.Robins oldest friend from infancy till his death never came to see him or rung him up ONCE during the whole eight months he was sick.This pattern was followed by one or two of his work mates,i used to yell WTF do they think its catching?

Then there were the ones who just walked up to plate,sucked it in and supported and visited us right through.In the hospice people he hadnt seen for years came just to say goodbye.

We have a saying in yorkshire sweetie "theres nowt so queer as folk" and by god that is true.

Here i am seven months a widow suffering from the "death is catching" syndrome,and 95% of those people who shared our journey have never picked up a phone to see how i am ,including robs brother.

Its what brings us all to this forum,finding solace,love and support from people who DO understand and i say thankyou every day for that