We had a family gathering this weekend as Mum's headstone has finally been put in place after two and a half years.
When we got to Dad's on Friday, there were bottles of wine and talking and catching up with my brother and sister and her husband until 3 am. I can't remember being up that late for many years. At some point during the evening we discovered a drip in the ceiling of the airing cupboard and everything in it was saturated. So we saved Dad the sleepless night of worry and after scurrying around with buckets and torches, held on to our discovery until the morning.
Well how fortunate was it that a knock on the door the following morning was a neighbour who had been going to fix the guttering for Dad? As it was raining, and the guttering job could not really be done, we established that he knew a bit about plumbing, and diverted him to our problem. By the end of the day, between us we had made trips to screwfix, effected a repair, started the drying out process, washed dried and folded many loads, lopped some trees, reseated the stair carpet which had become a trip hazard, shopped, cooked and barbequed, taught Dad how to use the scanner, oh - and visited Mum's grave.
There wasn't any photography other than this picture I lined up for M to take of me by the grave. It isn't very flattering, but all I have from the day. You have no idea what an achievement it is to have this simple memorial in place, with a style and words that in the end everyone was more or less happy with.
ah helen. what a poignant and inspiring narrative. i think it is a tender and moving portrait of you. how wonderful that you were all on hand at precisely this time, to be of so much support and assistance while also remembering your mother
There is something very important about a headstone- it's sort of the perpetual statement that we remember the impact that one life had. I'm glad your family was able to celebrate your mother that way- and also your father in the loving way you took care of his needs while visiting.
A great narrative and a wonderful memorial for your Mum. Mine too died in 2016 aged 92. I have decided to follow you, as we seem to be following the same people and I enjoy your comments ;-)
That's a lovely headstone and a nice photo of you too. My parents were both cremated and we have nothing to show that they were ever on this earth so I am going to get a plaque put on the Tree of Life at RSPB because I visit so often and it's a peaceful place to visit.
Thank you for the glimpse into your day. The picture is lovely as is the headstone. You certainly got a lot accomplished, and I can imagine the good feeling that you have about it. What a blessing that your family united in this way and, also, that things occurred perfectly to make it all happen. God is so good!
You look lovely next to your mum ❤️