ABC cuts.  The Victorian election. Submarines and canoes. Defence force pay. The GP co-payment. The suggestion that this was the worst week for the Abbott Government so far. The list goes on.

But that can all wait for another time because of something much bigger. The tragic death of young Australian batsman Phil Hughes has stunned the nation.

Like everyone else, I am trying to understand what has just happened, and why it has affected people so much.

Phil Hughes was a young guy with talent and grit who was liked and respected by friends, teammates and opponents.

That the tragedy occurred in the midst of the normal play of the game of cricket is still hard to fathom.

For those of who have played cricket and have been hit in the head by a bouncer, the tragedy brought home how lucky we’ve been and how unlucky Phil Hughes was.

That it was captured on camera and shown on the TV news brought it into our lounge rooms.

It also showed the special place that cricket has in our nation – it really is the national sport that unites us regardless of where we live.

But more than anything, we were touched by the very public passing away at a young age of a son, a brother, a friend.

Phil Hughes, rest in peace.

Less high-profile, but equally significant, was the loss of another cricketer who had also been a prodigy.

Last week, as the nation was mourning Phil Hughes, a memorial service was held for former Australian Cricket Captain, Ian Craig, who passed away at the age of 79.

Ian Craig was born here in Yass – a very significant figure worthy of honour in our town.

He made his first class debut at the age of 16, his test debut at 17, and became Captain at 22.  

A year after becoming Captain, Ian Craig contracted hepatitis and never played for his country again.

The replacement captain was a guy called Richie Benaud.

Ian Craig went on to have a successful career in pharmacy and management and is missed by many who knew him in his cricket days and the almost 50 years since.

Rest in Peace, Ian Craig.

Two cricket champions, two careers cut short, two men who inspired others.

Life is precious.  

Death can be random.

Relationships matter.

And politics can wait for next month – which of course is next year.

Merry Christmas to you and your families.  

May this be a time of treasuring relationships with families, rekindling friendships with friends and reaching out to those who are hurting at this time.

See you in 2015.