at least that's what I could read

[pensnest]

A bunch of Christmas cards arrived after lunch today, including one from oldtoadwoman and one from rikes - thank you!

*

And my sister phoned, to tell me that our sometime stepbrother apparently died at the beginning of the year (she got the news in a Christmas letter, but the person who sent it for some reason didn't send me the usual epistle this time).

I'm not emotional about it, we haven't had a relationship for thirty-five years, but as he was just a few months younger than me it was an unwelcome reminder of the passing of time. Irritatingly, he had the same name as somebody famous, also deceased, so searching for an obituary is a very frustrating process. An image search brings up , among others, Kelsey Grammer and HM Elizabeth II. Okay, then.

I found a plausible photograph eventually. In an article about a sex offender.... which, well. Um.

Comments

[author_by_night]

A Christmas letter is a jarring way to find out, too. Did the person think your sister already knew? In any case, it's always a shame. I understand what you mean about the passing of time.

[pensnest]

I don't think I'd received a Christmas card from my ex-stepbrother for years (haven't sent him any, either). Last communication was when he sent me a bouquet when my father died, in 2008. So I guess neither I nor my sister was on anyone's radar for letting us know at the time he died. And I suppose a Christmas letter is a round-up of the year....