Life goes on

This morning when I got out of bed, I glanced out the window to see what the weather was like. This habit is part of my weekend (mine starts on Friday) routine. During the week, when I have to go into the office, I don’t bother … as long as it isn’t snowing …

Back to this morning. I looked straight into the garden of my mother’s cousin P. I saw her silhouette behind the kitchen window. She was leaning over the sink, probably getting some water to make her morning coffee. She looked like usual, a bit thinner maybe. But nothing special. Yet, I wondered what was going through her head, because only yesterday we buried her husband C. to whom she had been married since May 1960. He died last week, quite sudden after doctors had found a lump in his neck only a few weeks ago.

Even wilted roses keep their fragrance and beauty.

He had been poorly for seven months, not because of the new-found lump but after some really serious back surgery which kept him ‘chained’ to his chair since. My mother and I visited him just a week before her move, which was 8 weeks ago.

The funeral, yesterday, was very emotional. My mother didn't attend it. But I did and so did my cousin I. (my mother’s godchild) and some 400 other people from the village. There was a lot of sniffing and crying, but also a short burst of laughter when one of C.’s granddaughters addressed the congregation telling us how she remembered her granddad. One of the things she said even brought a smile on P.’s face (C.’s widow). ‘When P. turned 75’ – the granddaughter said’ – C.’ had said: “I wish I could trade her in for 3 of 25.” That’s how he was, also joking, always taking the mickey and yet being the best and most faithful husband in the world and a loving and caring dad to his 4 children and 9 grandchildren.

We will all miss him … As for P., I felt so sorry for her this morning, when I saw her standing there by the sink on her own. I really hope she can overcome her loss and has the courage to spend time again with her many friends, whom she missed terribly over the last seven months while looking after her handicapped husband.

I know this was a very sad post. I promise to update you soon on the happier stuff that has kept me occupied over the last two weeks.