THE PAST YEAR and more has been dark and painful for most where the dreadful but normal experiences of life have been so difficult to endure; illness, death and funerals devoid of touch, the ability to console, hug and comfort surrendered as we feared infection and our own mortality. Those days when we feel the greatest need to come together, we were obliged to stand aloof with chests and chins stuck out, bravely pretending we could conquer all.