Gerry's funeral on Monday morning was the first Roman Catholic church service I had ever intended. Those of us not versed in the subtleties and protocols of the mass paid our respects with quiet contemplation. I estimate that there were between 250 and 300 people attending the funeral. Obviously, the respect and affection we held for Gerry at work extended to those that knew him from his church and community.

It was a sad occasion made tragically sadder by the news that the baby son of one of our other colleagues at work had died from meningitis on Christmas Eve. I cannot even begin to imagine the sense of loss both families must be feeling now. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Then to top it all was the news this evening that the Browns' baby dies in hospital. I always used to think that Gordon Brown lacked warmth but I remember thinking that his obvious delight in the birth of his baby girl - Jennifer Jane - last week showed him to have a genuinely caring and human side - and a wonderful broad smile - and the British public warmed to him as a result. It's a tragic that the complications that set in as a result of the seven weeks premature birth lead ultimately to Jennifer's death.

It's at times like this that I realise how lucky I am and how much I take for granted the health of my family and how much I love them.