Memories

This last month has been a very difficult one. January and February are never the best months in my book. Having said that we do have significant family occassions to celebrate including wedding anniversaries and birthdays. I think what makes these months more difficult is the fact that the weather can be very unpredictable, the feelgood factor of Christmas has faded, and New Years resolutions have been quickly abandoned!

This year however has been particularly difficult. What should have been a wonderful holiday in South Africa for my Mum and Step Dad turned into a nightmare. A dream holiday that was planned over many years to take in the breathtaking Garden Route ended in tragedy. In an innocent walk in a beauty spot, my Step Dad lost his footing and fell to his death over a cliff edge.

I cannot explain how useless I felt being unable to comfort my Mum who was thousands of miles away. The frustration too of not being able to drop things at home to be there when she flew home was so hard to bear.

It has made me think. Families are so far flung these days and we can't just "pop in" when we need to. Sure there are cars and public transport ( who unfortunately hold you to ransom with their exhorbitant prices when you have to book up in an emergency). But it's not the same as being there when someone needs you.

But I digress. What I wanted to say was that my Step Father was a lovely man who was generous in every way. He always had time for everyone and showed interest in eveything they did. He was not my Dad and never tried to be, but he was always there for my Mum and gave her such happy memories. He died doing what he liked best - travelling, with someone he cared so much for.

On Friday, exactly a month after his death, we shall gather together to Celebrate his life and to say good bye. It will be bitter sweet.

Rest in peace.