The New Normal

This is one of those particularly quiet weeks in a particularly quiet life. It seems to me that for better or worse, football was the glue holding this blog together. Even with the Women's World Cup and the upcoming Under 21s European Championships, I am bereft. Still, off to watch sketch trio and mega legends Pappys* in Croydon in a bit. 

I would like to flag up this post from Stephanie Wittels which I read last night entitled "The New Normal"*. It concerns the aftermath of her brother Harris' death in February at the age of 30. Harris was a hugely talented comedic writer and performer and it's a very difficult but a very important read. She's particularly insightful on the nature of grief and the form of anger that it can take. I consider myself exceedingly fortunate that to date, I have not lost anyone close to me in these sorts of circumstances.

 EDIT 25/12: I read this article again recently and again it hit me right the gut. Harris' second appearance on Pete Holmes' podcast "You Made It Weird" is similarly painful but it gives an important insight into the mindset of a substance abuser. He knew that if he relapsed again, it will kill him. How wretched. How desperately sad.

*I once saw Tom Parry of Pappys at Chartwell. Didn't say hello to him, because I am a terrible dick. His debut solo show was very good at Edinburgh this year and was nominated for the "Best Newcomer" award.

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