So I grabbed my lap top and jumped back into bed, which is where I am right now.
Arthur is looking sitting on the window ledge. Should have called him Michael Paine!
And Robbie is taking up most of the bed as usual...
I spent two weeks with Becs, her daughter Beth, and dog Bosco. Although I did pop home for a couple of days during that time, to grab a couple of bits.
Becs dad would have been so proud of his wife, and three children. They worked together so well to make sure it had a beautiful send off. It was full of love, just those closest to him were there. Her dad wasn't a religious man, so they wanted a service that was just about him, and his love for his family. The minister did a wonderful job, even though he had never met her dad before. He was a nice man (he was a butcher in his day), with bright twinkling eyes, and the way he delivered the short service, you would have thought that he did know her dad for all of his life. I have to say, as funerals go, it was the nicest one I have ever been to. Although everyone bought flowers, they did not leave them at the crematorium. Everyone took there own flowers home with them, which I thought was a lovely thing to do.
After the service we went back to Becs sisters' house. She laid on a really nice spread, and we were all hungry by that time. Bec's nieces were there to greet us, as they were to young to go to the service. One being the sweetest little girl of almost 3, and the newest addition to the family, her little sister, who was born 2 days after their Great-Grandad had died.
It is amazing how children can turn a sad situation, into a precious one...
It had been a long day. When we went back to her flat, we put our cozzies on, and then stayed put on Becs' sofa. We were exhausted...
But not exhausted enough to have a moment of being our usual selves.... as you can see.
I returned home, and the sun came out. It became the hottest March, since 1997. I remember that March clearly. It was my last March before I married in September 1997. I lay over Hainault Country Park spread out on on a hill catching rays. At that time, 80% of my body was covered in Psoriasis, a condition I have suffered with since the age of 3. The sunshine is very good for it, and helps it heal.
The ironic thing is, that this year was my first year of having my liberty back, after a tough painful divorce. And I loved the feeling of soaking up the sunshine, on my decking, in just my panties, painting lots of pots (something I love doing as it really does relax me).
I spent a lot of time preparing my garden for the coming summer...
And I was feeling Good (I feel a Nina Simone song coming on here!)
At the beginning of April, I returned back to Hainault. I wanted to spend some time with my folks. My dad had just finished his last chemo session. I also wanted to spend some time with son. I love being where I am, but the thing I truly miss is my boy.
Becs met me at Gidea Park station, and we went for a lovely walk with Beth and Bosco. It was good to see that they looked so well, after such a sad loss for all of them. Becs was at a much happier place than when I had left her a few weeks earlier. She says it is nice to know that her father went so peacefully, and that he was not suffering anymore.
The above Pic was taken by Becs... I think it is stunning
I decided to stay at the home of TLOML, because my brother, his wife and their two sons (my precious nephews) were staying with my folks for a few days. They were waiting to move into their new home (which they have now done).
My dad coped so well during this time, considering the last blast of chemo had really knocked him for six... thankfully he is feeling much better now, and has also finished the last of his chemo tablets. My folks have now booked a holiday to Jamaica, and are leaving on the 9th May. I think it is fantastic.
It was chaotic at my folks, as a cat who lives in their garden, since a neighbour who owned them, had just disregarded her two cats when she decided to get a dog instead. One of them had kittens, which my folks took in and cared for them, until they were ready to find new homes.
There were 5 kittens in all. They went to three new homes, which was lovely, as two sets of 2 were kept together, and the other one went to a lovely girl, a friend of my sons'.
My little nephews who are aged 2 and 18 months loved the kits. It was a pleasure to see them being so gentle with them.
I was due to come home, but something happened, which stopped me in my tracks. Nothing could predict what was going to happen next. Not even in my worst nightmare.
I am not going to go into to very much detail, as the police are involved. But I have had had to watch my oldest, dearest friend suffer as no mother should have to. It has been a very painful experience. And watching her and her family suffer in desperation has bought me crashing down. Hopefully, I will be able to blog in time about the experience, if only to help other families who could be suffering in the same way.
My friends son turned 16 in March. It turns out that a person who was posing as his 18 year old boyfriend, turns out to be a man who going to be 28 in July. This person has been 'Grooming' her son, since he was 14.5 years old. Her son ran off with this person, and something made my friend think that all was not right. She trusted her son, so at the time did not think anything untoward. They finally researched the man in question, and what they found out threw our world into a crisis... A helpless situation.
C&R I think of you all the time... C and I have shared a life together since we were 7 years old. We have been through many situations together, but nothing can beat this one.
Since I have returned home, things have settled a little. The rain and wind have been non-stop! When will it let the summer sun shine through is anyone guess??
The only ones who are loving it are the ducks...
