We are told from a young age “big boys don’t cry” and “men are strong”,

Well guess what folks those words are bloody wrong

It must be very difficult to stand up to the test

and field the calls and visitors so she can get some rest.

They always ask if she’s alright and what she’s going through,

But seldom take his hand and ask, “ But my friend, how are you?”

He hears her crying in the night and thinks his heart will break.

He dries her tears and comforts her, but “stays strong” for her sake.

No one holds him tight or dries his tears when they flow deep in the darkest night - But just assume that as a bloke, well, “he is bound to be all right”

There are days when you want to run, shout, scream and rant and rave-but that’s just not the way that a bloke behaves

You try to hold it in, keep things going and stand tall-when all you want to do is hold your little child and run away from it all

It must be very difficult to start each day anew

and try to be so very brave - please don’t forget he lost his child too.



No tears can bring relief.



Ian Bainbridge, Ellis John's Dad