Freddie…. at last

You may be wondering how we have been able to have Freddie for the day and a sleepover. Well, the Kenilworth Sleaths have been isolating and seeing no-one because Lily had the virus a couple of weeks ago. They are all out of isolation now, so it is as safe is it’s going to be, we think, to have a beloved grandchild over, so we have.

And I really can’t tell you how wonderful it has been. Freddie has been such fabulous company all day and as good as gold. Although we are tired, it has boosted our spirits no end to enjoy the little man’s chatter and excitement at having a day with Grandma and Grandpa.

We did wonder how he’d be. It’s such a long time since he’s been over properly, and it was probably last Christmas when he last slept over. But he took it all in his stride and just strolled through the day with such confidence that it made our hearts melt.

We picked up all the familiar things and rhythms as if we’d never had a break. We cuddled and laughed and played and let our imaginations run riot. Freddie was keen to do everything. ‘Let’s bake a cake/go into the attic/get out the games, toys and glo-sticks/play at the sink/bounce on the bed/play the monster game/tickle each other/decorate the Christmas tree/make ice cream/light a fire and toast bread over it’ and more besides. Oh, our hearts are full.

There really isn’t much more to say. We have another half-day of the same tomorrow, when we have planned to eat the ice cream Freddie and Grandpa made today for breakfast, and we’ll make a cake and a Christingle orange (only with an easy-peel satsuma, as the Co-op were out of oranges on their delivery service today), plus a run-around the garden and a snuggle on the sofa.

There’s so much to fit in….. I mean, I was so busy enjoying myself today that I had no time whatsoever to take a single photo. John managed one little video-clip while they were waiting for the ice cream to churn, and Freddie was swivelling round and round at vast speed on the swivel chair in the kitchen – but that was all we managed today. It’s just been too much fun.

This is what life is all about, isn’t it? The family (and friends) connection. And I am so very grateful that we have had this wonderful chance to capture a few moments with Freddie before he’s plunged back into school and we are thrown headlong back into Tier 3.

The outside world has meant nothing today. We have created our own cosy and safe environment today. But, of course, we are aware that the virus is still catching hold of people, so I offer you the stats, just because it’s now a habit of mine.

• 12,330 people were confirmed as having been infected with the virus today
• 205 people have died today, in the community, from virus-related issues
• 131 people have died in the last couple of days in hospitals
• This is Day 26 of Lockdown 2
• And we are on Day 257 since we first isolated in March.

Wishing you all as many ‘Freddie days’ as you can possibly get. Stay safe everyone, and God bless.