Men don’t talk. Apparently. Have I told you I think people are wonderful?

Dan’s grandson, Paul, fell out with him two years ago. Then came the time Paul was doing a DIY job and needed a reversible drill. With no option, he got his mum to ask his grandad. Dan sent his over, glad to help. However, it wasn’t powerful enough. Dead end. Returning the drill to the hut, Dan kicked an old tool-box. He’d brought it from his parents’ house when his dad died, but had never opened it. Inside was a reversible drill. A powerful one.

He asked Paul is he would like it. Awkwardly, Paul asked if great-grandad wouldn’t mind. Dan said: “My dad was all about family.” Still a little stiffly, Paul said thanks. Then he added: “Would you like to help me?” Things are much better now. It seems that men do talk after all. Just in different ways. And, in this case, they talked power tools.

Annette’s dad has Covid-19. It hit him fast and hard. For the past few days, he has been in an intensive care unit on a ventilator. Her strong, kind, ever-reliable dad is now completely dependent on others for everything, although recent results have been encouraging.

I asked how she and her mum were coping. Bravely, she said they were doing OK. “We have decided that dad is part of the global fightback against this virus. It’s all new for the doctors.

“They don’t have all the answers, but they learn more with every patient they treat. So, dad is actually part of an international group teaching the doctors how to save the world.”

I tried, but I can’t see how to disagree. And isn’t it a wonderful way to look at it? Then I wiped away a little tear brought forth by her bravery.