Has it only been 36? I was wondering that as I made my way, yawning, from the train station to the bus station this evening. It all started at about half past eight on Sunday morning ...
Sister-in-law phoned to say that Mother-in-law had died. We got ready and drove up to Derby where Father-in-law (Pop) had, against doctors' advice, discharged himself from hospital. Husband and Sisters-in-law consoled Pop and each other with hugs, words and tissues while I did what I do best in times of crisis: made lots of cups of tea and fed people.
It's very difficult cooking in someone else's kitchen. The peeler doesn't peel, the knife doesn't cut and surely there must be a measuring jug somewhere? There was but I never did find the oven gloves. And I must remember to tell Pop that the non-stick frying pan he used to have may not be non-stick since I set it on fire.
Husband is staying with Pop until the funeral (next Tuesday) but I came home on the train this afternoon. Younger Son is going to Exeter university tomorrow to talk to someone about possible research options so I've got to be here to look after George. YS will stay with Daughter tomorrow night and on Wednesday George and I will drive down to Devon and join them. And some time after that I'll go back up to Derby.
But it was quite a pleasant train journey this afternoon. At one moment I thought it was going to be a disaster as I discovered I'd left my glasses in Father-in-law's house but, fortunately, I had an old pair in my bag. (I also left my coat there but it didn't rain either.) It was a cross-country train meandering through little stations, green fields, alongside the Trent canal and next to the mighty Severn river. All very pretty and I even spotted a heron.
The next part of the journey from Newport to Swansea was much less pleasant in an overcrowded train and with a telephone idiot opposite me for part of the route. And I was the only person, amongst lots of young men, who offered a pregnant lady my seat! Though, to be fair she wasn't very heavily pregnant and, because of the overcrowding, they might not have noticed her. But they must have noticed me standing to offer her my seat - which she turned down.
The other thing I left in Derby was a piece of sirloin steak that was too much for Pop for dinner last night and which I'd packed up ready to bring home for George. Don't tell him, will you?
8 comments:
You have had a time, haven't you? Thinking of all of you.
So sorry, Liz. It always makes a difficult and busy time. So many decisions. And you had the best job--making tea.
Sorry you are having a sad family time.
I like your story of the journey, you could have offered the pregnant woman your seat in a loud voice, perhaps there'd have been a chap shamed into doing the same.
I saw the flashing dragon on a comment, it brought me here. I live just the other side of the border, in a little pimple of England sticking into Wales. You'd hardly notice.
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I know it will be a difficult and busy time for you and your family. My thoughts are with you. xxx
A lot has happened in 36 hours and I do send my sincere condolences to you all. You will be busy even after the funeral with your husband as he will probably really need your shoulder then - after all the official things are done with. Try and get some rest and know that I'm thinking of you.
Condolences. A difficult time for all.
I'm so sorry for your family's loss, Liz. I'm sure you and your husband will have some busy times ahead--take care of yourself, too.
Thinking of you all , and hoping your father-in-law is able to cope with everything . Having his children there will be an wonderful support .
Post a Comment