March has been a funny old month so far, full of dust and noise in as far as the building work goes (but the end is in sight and it looks amazing – I can’t wait to show you!), it’s also been full of birthdays – my now 12-year-old (yes, I still need to do his birthday post!), Mr R, and my wonderful Grandfather who reached the amazing age of 98…
Although we are much more settled in this part of the UK thanks to the close proximity of family and friends (and the added bonus that we know the area well), I haven’t really hidden the fact that I can probably count on one hand the amount of times that I have thought to myself “I am so glad we are back”.
It’s hard to ignore how different the UK feels thanks to various things (including glaringly obvious political happenings) a couple of which you might not even notice if you hadn’t had the same “leave of absence” (not to mention the fact that I have probably changed quite a lot as a person since the last time I lived here!), but one thing I will be eternally grateful for is that in this past year I have been able to spend a lot more time with my grandparents (who live a mere 19 minutes away, as opposed to the almost 3 hours in Cambridge, and probably a couple more hours on top of that when we were in Munich and Denmark).
Together we have been able to catch up on a lot of lost time. I have been able to spend hours with the pair of them, to walk with my 93-year-old Grandmother (a mile a day is pretty amazing at that age I reckon!) frequently, and last Thursday, a couple of hours after my 98-year-old Grandfather sadly succumbed to the cruel disease that is Alzheimer’s, I was able to get in the car, drive over, sit with the pair of them and just be there.
Whilst this all might sound slightly morbid, it was an unexpectedly beautiful experience. Everything felt peaceful and calm. It was a privilege to be able to say goodbye to my Gramps, and sit at his bedside along with my Grandmother.
Over tea I listened once more to the incredible story of how they met in the Holland during war, and the countless precious tales of their lives together, before we took it in turns to reminisce over endless family memories. Over tea we cried and laughed in good measure, whilst the Welsh National Anthem played in the background (I think I must have heard it around at least a fifty times that afternoon. I can at least now claim to know some of the words!) until it was time for her husband of 72 years to finally be taken away.
And now, instead of being hundreds of miles away, I can be here as the family comes together to celebrate his life, probably over many a tale, and of course plenty of tea…
Maybe there’s some truth in the saying that you are meant to be in a certain place at a certain time in your life. It might not make much sense at the time, but I promise you at some point it will…
Tanja/the Red Phone Box Travels says
Sorry to hear about your loss but it’s good that you managed to say goodbye
Emma says
Thank you. x
Rhian westbury says
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather but I am so glad that you were able to spend some time with him before he passed x
Emma says
Thank you so much Rhian. xx
Midlife Singlemum says
I’m sorry that you lost your Grandpa. I definitely agree with your final paragraph – we are part of a greater picture that we can’t always see in its entirety. Lots of love from me at this precious family time. I’m also looking forward to the renovations reveal on your house. xxx
Emma says
Thank you very much R. A good reminder I think through life! xxx
Kaz | Ickle Pickles Life and Travels says
Oh I am so sorry for your loss – my gran died a year ago aged 97. What wonderful ages to reach, but it is still a huge loss. I bet you are glad you live closer ow. Kaz
Emma says
Thank you Kaz, I am definitely grateful that we are now closer for a while!
Elizabeth says
I’m sorry for the loss of your grandfather, but I’m so glad you were able to be there.
I also have mixed feelings about repatriating (although to the other side of the country) but I’m looking forward to being nearer to family and friends.
Emma says
Thank you Elizabeth. That makes up for a lot of things believe me. Good luck with everything! x