To get this out of the way straight away: don’t worry, Harry and I are both fine and still very happy together.

But recently we learnt of something that surely brought home certainly to not only the two of us, but also to many others in the Doll Community, that everything is finite. And that the end can come sooner than expected.

Tobi and his five dolls – for some reason, we didn’t follow each other on social media. In fact, we didn’t know each other at all. Yet, we were deeply saddened by the news of his untimely passing.

There is a very beautiful tribute to Tobi on the Jessy Doll website. I’m not in a position to really say anything. Except that Harry and I really regret not having known Tobi. Especially after hearing his statement found right at the bottom of the linked page so ringing true.

While three of his dolls have found a new home at Jessy’s place, the fate of the other two seems to remain uncertain – which leaves us uneasy.

Unfortunately, Harry and I are unable to take someone in. Our flat is just to small to accommodate any newcomers. Besides, Harry certainly wouldn’t be able to cope with more than one doll.

He’s not quite so young anymore and, of late, his body has been finding all sorts of ways to remind him of the fact that his time on this planet isn’t unlimited, either.

Harry has a fairly clear idea as to what should happen when his time is up.

The most important thing for him is that our little froggy daughter, Nici, and I find a good home when he can no longer be there for us. In this regard, there is a plan in place.

My sister-in-law has already indicated that, when the time comes, she will personally drive Nici and me to our new home. That would, of course, be a great relief for us and a comforting thought for Harry.

Harry would like his ashes to be scattered in the North Sea. There is a burial site between the islands of Spiekeroog and Wangerooge.

In fact, last year, we visited the memorial site in Harlesiel, the port of departure for these burials at sea. Ever since, Harry has been determined that this is what he wants. He has also already been in touch with the funeral shipping company to make arrangements.

Harry isn’t expecting a large crowd of mourners. Most of his real friends live quite a long way away, so he wouldn’t want to ask them to make such a long journey.

Apart from his sister, he is actually only expecting his best friend and maybe her partner who don’t live quite so far away. Although Harry is holding out hopes that Nici and I can come aboard the boat to say goodbye, it seems questionable that this will actually be possible.

You know… On the one hand, I’m glad that my husband has the foresight to sort out his affairs as far in advance as possible.

On the other hand, it makes me sad, because it constantly reminds me that the day I fear more than anything else is drawing inexorably closer with every passing day.

And I haven’t forgotten the shock I felt when my husband collapsed on the tram two and a half years ago…