Weekly roundup

A wise widowed woman told me recently,

‘Hold onto every ounce of joy that comes your way, don’t let guilt try to dilute it, because it and grief will try to’.

There has been a lot of joy this week.

First the annual bedrace spectacle in the town brought locals and visitors together, raising thousands for charity.

A spectacular local spectacle.

I’m proud both my grandchildren took place in the parade, playing their parts in this community tradition which is simply so bonkers you have to be there to understand.

The theme this year was the ‘60’s, incidentally the 60th anniversary of the first ever. Fancy dress, decorated ‘beds’, bagpipes, dancers and brass bands.

This totally eclectic parade winds its way down the high street while the crowd four deep cheers it along.

For my part I volunteered with the youth club staff. We were in charge of ‘lost children’ (thankfully non on my watch), but the amazing bubble machine and chalk pavement art proved a big hit with the families passing us by.

Next the serious stuff, the ‘beds’ are stripped down to skeletal frames on wheels. Teams of six (plus one passenger) race the challenging undulating course which includes a river crossing. Pride is at stake for some, for others just getting round in one piece is reward enough.

The community spirit is what makes this event so special, it is a great day out and almost a rite of passage for everyone who loves our town.

I had such a brilliant day.

The second time I have felt joy this week was seeing MamaMia performed on stage. The West End company on tour.

Of course I know the words of every song, this music brings memories flooding back, some happy, some sad. There is no doubt Abba has always been the anthem to my life.

The sheer energy, the costumes, the voices, it was simply outstanding. I think the Leeds audience was perhaps a bit more appreciative than those in London, the cast really enjoying our Northern hospitality.

The encore was sensational, I don’t think the actors wanted the performance to end, but when it did we all left the theatre with a huge grins.

I was invited by a neighbour in the village to join her. We may be a generation apart but she is very much young at heart. Widowed herself for some years she has been a very valuable support to me, encouraging me to look forward and plan for the future.

Singing with my choir, uno after breakfast with the grandkids, sitting in the garden with a dear friend, having a pub tea with a special couple.

All occasions where I simply forgot my recent status.

I felt very much in the present and more like my ‘old’ self. I’ve proven to myself that I can still have fun, enjoy my life and that feels like a very positive thing to do.

Quashing guilt is going to be an ongoing process, but I’ve had the upper hand this week. People’s opinions also make me doubt, do I appear too happy, am I doing too well?

Time will tell.