Category Archives: Uncategorized

My daughter said something interesting to me this morning while we were sitting in a local cafe. I’d remarked how I really liked the olive green colour of the walls. Maybe I should paint my kitchen the same……. ‘Mum you always want to change things’. She’s right of course, and since Ken died I’ve reallyContinue reading “Change”

I had my pre counselling assessment this afternoon. The lady rang me to say she was running late at our appointed time and would be five to ten minutes after schedule – she’d ring again, (that turned into forty minutes), I didn’t think I’d be so anxious waiting. I’m not sure what I expected, I’veContinue reading “Assessment”

My family are my foundation, Without them This wall of strength others perceive Would fall, Leaving nothing but Stones of crumbling grief Scattered between weeds of desperation. I stay strong, Though winds may try to rock me, Beating sun, Driving rain, Can’t penetrate this mortar of love, A mix of consideration, kindness and compassion HoldsContinue reading “The wall”

First of fourty nine days, I’m in charge for fifteen of them, the school holidays have just begun. Today I’m grateful for my connections with Youth club, they are offering a number of sessions each week. Today I am half volunteer and half Grandma. There’s lots on offer, football, rounders, table tennis badminton, catch, axeContinue reading “Day 1”

I got an unexpected phone call yesterday. I recognised the number straight away, one digit different from my own landline. An invitation for pizza, I’m told my ex next door neighbours will be there; I’ve been trying to work it out, must be eighteen years since we moved. The number used to be for Ken’sContinue reading “Turning back the clock”

Leavers assembly, apparently a new format, well if it was designed to make the audience of family cry it did a good job. Year six lined up facing the whole school, then their Buddies were invited to join them for the very first time, bonds that for most would soon be broken. They sang ‘AContinue reading “Last Day”

It’s been an emotional week. The year six production was simply brilliant. Funny, well acted and inclusive, everyone had a part. There is something very special about children singing in harmony, the sheer enthusiasm of everyone clearly reflected in their faces. I was bursting with joy. One more day to go in primary. My grandsonContinue reading “Ending an era”

I’m just back from a sweltering sports day. The children’s welfare was paramount with hydration breaks and rest time in the shade. It’s a very difficult balance managing safety and the potential disappointment of cancellation, but in my view the school got things absolutely right. It started early, changed schedule and was shortened, everyone gotContinue reading “Sports Day”

Ha ha, how kids can bring you down to earth! I’ve just walked Hettie up the village to the woods. The dense shade literally singing with the sound of insects escaping the harsh sun. I’m coming home when I see a boy about six peering down from a turret on one of those solid woodenContinue reading “Put down”

The final days of year six, and for my Grandson many ‘last times’. He goes to the local Catholic school, we’re not Catholic but a percentage of the children who attend aren’t either. It has an inclusive ethos, based on kindness and respect, and that is what shone through this afternoon. His last Mass inContinue reading “Mass”