Email to a friend 23rd December 2015:
“Well, we’re here in France…..! We’re in the Charente, an hour north of Bordeaux. We got the keys on 28th October and it’s been a complete whirl of activity since then. We’ve completely changed things, merely by putting our own furniture in the main room and painting the kitchen doors…. It’s perfect for us, with lots of window, lots of light, and lots of character! I love it already, and it feels just right….. That said, I’m finding Christmas hard because of last year, plus I’m exhausted beyond description – I think the whole of the last 14 months has caught up with me, and I really need to just switch off and sleep……until 2016, if I’m honest! In terms of “real” improvements, it’s taken a month to sort our bedroom and ensuite, but it’s transformed. We only finished/moved into it on Sunday evening, and while John and his parents are out for the day today, I’ve really enjoyed playing music loudly, and unpacking – finally! – my clothes and toiletries… It’s such a lovely room I don’t want to be anywhere except there, looking out at the gorgeous view. Well, what I’d really like is to curl up in bed and look at the view, but there’s too much to do! I’ve been thinking about you, and how your new job is going? I’m sorry not to email before. I’m usually much better at being in touch, but it is an exceptional time in my life…..and we only got the internet in France a couple of weeks ago. Anyway…. I wanted to wish you a very Happy Christmas, and to let you know I’m thinking of you, and sending you my love…”
Email from a friend I’d lost touch with, 23rd December 2014:
“I’m so sorry that you’ve had such a hard last year – even such a hard last month. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to face all of that, especially as you are always going to feel more alone in it as an only child. I have thought recently about losing even one of my parents and cannot even face to think about it. Yet, both together seems almost impossible. I’m so sorry that you had to go through all of that, and that you are still going through it. I hope in time your sense of loss just reminds you of the depth of love that you shared with them and the sweetness of such love. I’m so sorry that you’ve felt alone. I’m so sorry that you have had to be strong for both your parents, when there is no strength left to have. It is hard to know what to say. But know that I will be praying for you and thinking of you often. Is there anything I can do? Anything I can pray for? “
Email to the Minister December 23rd 2014:
“The Order of Service seems only to have the hymns/poem words and not the actual service, but I’ve told them yes, please go ahead and print it, because I love the simplicity of it. I can’t be quiet/still, but am doing fine. I’ve done all the Christmas-related shopping, wrapping, decorating, tree-buying, food planning plus non-Christmas related furniture re-arranging, wardrobe sorting, Henry-the-cat cuddling etc…! I’ve not been to work since 17th November – they’ve been unbelievably good about everything – and term ended the day Mum died, so in that respect the timing is very good….and has my parents’ usual superb forward planning….! I’m sure you’re incredibly busy at this time, but hope you also find time for yourself as well, because I do know the importance of that.”
“Don’t drown yourself in negative feelings, don’t blame anyone or anything, don’t waste your time dwelling on the past. Have the passion to explore life, try visiting new places often, experience different things often.” (A wise ex-student of mine…)
