Week 24 - Our deepest condolences are with Simon, his family, and friends

  Simon - Perth, WA

 Hi Folks, Hope you are all safe and well.

 As usual, there is not much new to report in WA. We still have not had a community spread case of COVID 19 for over four months and even though we are still observing distancing measures etc.. it’s still very much business as usual.


 In fact, the WA economy is actually faring better than any others in Australia and it looks like I am going to be very busy at work for the rest of the year. The situation in Victoria is slowly getting better and the rest of the country is doing ok.


 At the end of October we will find out if we go to our state Phase 5 easement of restrictions, this will not mean much except for the removal of social distancing requirements and no cap on the capacity of venues. Actually, maybe that is quite a big deal…


 Our state borders will remain closed even then and there is a huge push from the national government and other states to open up. The feeling here in WA is that our state government is doing a pretty good job and we have survived so far with the borders closed.


 Today I can’t but help think what a crap year this one has been though. Millions infected, countless thousands dead, and economies in ruins. Still, no idea if or when we will get a vaccine, and next year seeming like it may be a new version of this one. No friends or family over to visit and no guarantee that I will get to see them next year.


 However, worse than that, today we are all going to the funeral of a dear friend who died early last week: a beautiful soul who was diagnosed with 2 brain tumors in January. She leaves behind an adoring husband and four kids and was only in her early forties.


 It was her wish that everyone attending wears colorful clothing today and that kind of sums her up.


 This will be the first time my wife and kids have been to a funeral and it is important for them I think to say goodbye and start the next step of the grieving process. It seems I have been to more than my fair share over the years but they don’t get any easier.


 So time to get ready, bust out my loudest Hawaiian shirt, and say goodbye.


 See ya next week.  


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