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In every day life, John Jackson, a former Ship's Captain now retired. He still retains an avid interest in the Hash House Harriers, Rugby, Food, Romantic Fiction, Philately, etc etc etc.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

What a start to the year!

Isn't death odd? In mother's case it was a welcome release after three years in care with vascular dementia. She said she just didn't want to wake up in the morning – and some days ago her prayers were answered. So no surprises then, and for all of us a prolonged exhalation of relief. The mother I knew I said goodbye to four years ago when she had the last stroke – a total personality change. Still, a long life.

And so to the mechanics of arranging funerals, etc. Have you checked the price of coffins recently?? Unbelievable. When arranging mother-in-laws funeral three years ago I was doing the rounds of the undertakers in Gloucester. In two of them their immediate – and slightly chilling - response was “Is it for you?” (Apparently its all to do with arranging things in advance.)

Another bonus was getting our girls over to stay for a couple of days.

As soon as the family dispersed, it was back to the house-work (literally – working on the house). Pam came up to York for a couple of days to check on progress and help with a couple of key decisions. We now have a moving date though; Thursday 3rd of April.

Meanwhile, life goes on – rather reassuringly; the alternative would be a bit tough.

My friends in the Hash House Harriers aren’t seeing too much of me – the house is taking all my energies, and the weather has been against going outside for ANY reason. Never mind, though. I will be heading over to Brussels next month for a weekend, and dropping in on a few of our local groups here to say farewell before leaving for the frozen North.


On the romantic fiction front – its a remarkably fecund world you lot live in! No sooner do I turn round or blink and one of you has a new book out. So far this year, I have particularly enjoyed Jean Bull's Gypsy Moth, Sue Moorcroft's Is This Love AND Do you Want to know a Secret? (Yes!), and Christina Courtenay's Secret Kiss of Darkness. Well done ladies – I do get some odd looks when I'm chuckling away reading my Kindle in the pub.

Keep'em coming!


John

who is also

@jjackson42 on Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=597036631  on Facebook

All comments most welcome!

5 comments:

  1. I'll have you know that the north is surprisingly unfrozen at the moment - nay, almost mild!
    But on another note, I'm sorry for your loss, it's never easy, however much death may be a welcome release. x

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  2. I think Jane said that rather well. Hugs x

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  3. I'm so sorry for your loss, John. However prepared one is for the inevitable, there's a terrible sense of loss when it happens.

    My best wishes to you and Pat.

    Liz xx

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  4. I know this is a little after the fact, John, but I popped over here to thank you for your kind comment on my blog, and read this both poignant and funny post. I'm sorry to hear your mother struggled so. My father was in the same position for many years, but it was still deeply sad when he died. I hope spring is springing as well over there as it is over here! Thank you again!

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  5. So sorry about your loss. Hope everyone is coping well.

    Nas

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