Sad and Happy

Thank you for the kind comments and messages after my last post. There's more sad news here this week, but hold on...don't go...

there is some truly joyous news too!

Our lovely Granny finally left us a few days ago. She had been sleeping most of the time since our last visit, and stopped eating and drinking. She was ready to go.

But she was singing the last words of the songs she could still hear being sung in the hospice and 

she had some ice cream the day she died. 

Go Granny.

 When I was 18 I went on my first visit to 'meet the parents' of the man who was already my soul mate and future husband. I can't remember why, but for some reason I was getting changed in the front room of their house. They lived on a busy road, but not one you often saw people walk along. 

Rather than shut the huge curtains in the bay window I stripped my top off - bra less, boobs well and truly out there 

(ah, they were the days!!) 

As I did so an old lady walked right past the window and got an absolute EYEful.

Of course a few minutes later there was a knock at the door and I was formally introduced to the same said 'old lady' - Cleggy's Grandma, who simply gave me a cheeky wink and no more was said!

I've been a bit short changed in the grandparent department (and the parents to be fair!) as all mine had died when I was much younger - so to gain a lovely Grandma in my life, who went on to love our children too, was a real treat. 

As the Scottish contingent pulled together and helped Grandma and Granny during these difficult few days Cleggy and I volunteered to clear out Granny's house. There was a tight time frame, it was difficult both logistically and emotionally - but an absolute pleasure to be able to help out. 

One photo that summed it up for me is this one

I never found out the story behind it - 

but for me it represents a life lived and loved.

We will all miss her.

So, we needed some cheering up - and it came in ABUNDANCE 

this weekend.

Two of our friends have suffered the tragedy of a life lost, both to cancer. Our friend Ruth lost her lovely husband Chris a few years ago and we have been full of admiration for the way she embraced the challenge of raising her three young children to become the gorgeous, well rounded young adults they are today.

Yesterday we were thrilled to be part of the celebrations - as Ruth married the new love of her life Simon. The wedding was in Manchester Art Gallery and was both beautiful and moving. We wish them all the love in the world for a happy life together and many more memory making adventures.

Another friend lost their little girl Lydia, aged 7, just last year. They had the same Oncologist as we had for Kenzie - and the knowledge that we could have lost our boy just as easily has made our admiration for them all the more poignant. 

They too have been a HUGE inspiration to everyone who knows them. 

On Thursday they welcomed a new addition to their family - a beautiful baby girl 

We can't wait to meet this little bundle of gorgeousness - and wish the whole family lots of love and happy times ahead. 

They really deserve it.

Fee x