Le Weekend

Andrew arrived home at 4.30 a.m. on Friday night. I always sleep better when I know he’s home, even though the key in the door woke me up! I was amazed that after such a late night, he was up early on Saturday, too – just as we were having a lovely chat to Graham and Gail!

All three of us sat on the bed, chit-chatting away to them, so it was nice – even though the topic of conversation was Mum’s funeral. We made some decisions though, so that was good, and we can plough on with those.

Not long after we’d rung off from the Oz airwaves, my cousin Janet arrived. “I’m not stopping,” she said, proffering a sympathy card and a beautiful orchid plant (Mum’s favourite), “I just wanted to say I’m sorry about your Mum,” Now, Janet is such a lovely person that of course we wanted her to come in and have a cuppa and a piece of cake – so she did. And it was lovely. We sat chatting for a fair while before she insisted on the leaving us to ‘get on with things’. But we always enjoy her company, so her presence lifted our spirits somewhat.

The gentlemen of the family had a bit of the snooze in the afternoon, while I watched the Ladies’ Singles final at Wimbledon and prepped a lasagne for our tea. “Do you want me to do it, Mum?” Andrew asked. Well…. yes but, no but…. I always thinks it’s wonderful when someone else sorts out our food for us but, on the other hand, for Andrew, it’s a bit of a busman’s holiday, so I’d rather he had a rest. Anyway, the lasagne turned out OK, even if it wasn’t Chef who prepped it!

Michael, Danielle and the family landed mid-afternoon. It was a sleepover, and the children were excited. Danielle had sent a photo of the boys and texted: ‘Boys have their ‘sleepover’ bags packed (and suitcase for teddies)‘ – I was excited then!! It’s always thrilling when they come to stay.

The boys had a brilliant afternoon together. They were all busy helping Michael fit some sidebars to his van. John was Overseer, of course, with the plans in his hand and issuing the instructions. Michael was Major Engineer and the children were the Runners. Great fun.

The sun had just broken through when my friend Chris Price, from church, called in with a bunch of lovely flowers, sympathy and some lovely chat. I didn’t think to offer her tea or coffee, but we sat chatting for a good while which I found really helpful. So blessed to have such thoughtful friends.

Naturally, a sleepover with the children means an early start the next morning. Mind you, I was grateful for the early morning call: Andrew was due to set off for the airport at 6.30a.m. and I wanted to wave him off.

At 6.25, Andrew said his friend would be collecting him in twenty minutes. Cool. At 6.30, Andrew said “Nobody panic! I can’t find my passport.” Ha! Me? Panic? Would I do such a thing?

Anyway after a few minutes of hunting, Andrew found his passport and so all was well. His friend arrived and they set off for Nijmegen. Andrew doesn’t think he’s going to be walking – he was too late to enter this year – but who knows? He might march along with his friend for a while…..

We brunched this morning, before sorting out the meat and veg for the Sunday Roast. David and Darrell were due to arrive about mid-day, which they duly did, and then they watched on as the children shelled the fresh peas. Brings back memories….

We had a lovely lunch together, although I got irritable when David sat where I’d placed one of the children, then wanted different cutlery…… it all worked out in the end, but I had to apologise for snapping his head off!! Eeek!

We have been ‘on the go’ most of the day with one thing and another and it’s been enjoyable. But John found it hard. With everybody being busy around him while he is feeling so tired and resting on the sofa, it brought a sharp focus to what he can and can’t do. Upsetting.

If you are so inclined, happy, healthy healing vibes and prayers would be appreciated.

Take care everyone. God bless us all.