[lashbear]

I re-read this tonight and realised that I had left out the most important part of all - the fourth paragraph should read thus:

Christmas is coming. That blessed, sacred time for me at the seat of all important family rituals. It's SO important to be with your family at Christmas. It's when all your split ends come together into one woven rope of love, happiness and support that strengthens and forges bonds that keep us solid for the rest of the year. The loving artisan that weaves our family rope together I call 'Stoat'. He binds all the fibres of our family and my life together with skill, dexterity and love, and always manages to make it a bond that nothing could sever, a bond that weathers all storms and hardships and still holds fast and true. I am blessed, honoured and privileged to have him for a life partner.