Lucid still. These last 2 years have been a time of reflection. The folk in my life and as importantly those who have left. I never paused to consider losing 2 siblings in 2 years and that is the reason for the reflection and the impact those 2 people had in my life.
I've wondered too whether coming from such a large family I have been protected from the impact of people leaving my life.
Back to being positive! As far back as I can remember it's the fond memories of those I have known, nearly all have made a positive impact. From being a gangly awkward teenager, the adolescent years, teased mercilessly from very worldly people at work, especially from day one in Salvation Army uniform in Kilbirnie [difficult place to grow up] and the fish bowl romance.
Who had the greatest impact on my life [and still has]? My [step] mother! The things she taught my enable me to rejoice over all the people, whether here or somewhere else!
Wednesday, 5 December 2007
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
before she's 40
Our daughter Melanie seems to be cramming so much into her life. I hope she doesn't get to strip off or protest at Heathrow! Her 4 children would want to copy her. The perfect role model.
But, as ever single minded as she always has been, she will do the right thing. Now, does she take after her mother or her father?
But, as ever single minded as she always has been, she will do the right thing. Now, does she take after her mother or her father?
Thursday, 16 August 2007
Bloggers unite
How about a BLOGGERS SYMPOSIUM? No, only joking. Too much organisation. Where would it start and where the finish? I often wonder just who reads my BLOG. No feedback so far to the pearls of wisdom floating out there just waiting to be picked up and turned into a script for the next BLOCKBUSTER FILM! I just enjoy reading Melanie's BLOG which appeals to my fertile imagination and imagine her BLOGS being made into a book of BLOGS one day [a best seller]!
Now you out there, you know who you are, get reading.
On a more sober note, Brenda and I have attended more funerals than we would have wanted recently, including an RAF full military ceremony, very moving. [The real cost of war...human lives!]
The BLOG pages should be buzzing after the [jollies] holidays which should make interesting reading especially those going to bonnie PITLOCHRIEY. DO HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME AND COME BACK SAFE [with the morning report...from LION KING].
Now you out there, you know who you are, get reading.
On a more sober note, Brenda and I have attended more funerals than we would have wanted recently, including an RAF full military ceremony, very moving. [The real cost of war...human lives!]
The BLOG pages should be buzzing after the [jollies] holidays which should make interesting reading especially those going to bonnie PITLOCHRIEY. DO HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME AND COME BACK SAFE [with the morning report...from LION KING].
Monday, 30 July 2007
doting parents
Can't let the occasion pass without an observation. At the end of next week our daughter Melanie will think one of 2 things, either we are heroes or we overindulged our grandchildren when their mother wasn't looking! We wholeheartedly promise to keep them free of the dreaded EEEEE'ssss especially for the return journey!
We only hope the 4 of them treat us kindly during their stay here in Suffolk!
How fortunate we are to have such wonderful children who in turn are making a good job of bringing up theirs! Something to do with Christian values?
We only hope the 4 of them treat us kindly during their stay here in Suffolk!
How fortunate we are to have such wonderful children who in turn are making a good job of bringing up theirs! Something to do with Christian values?
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
here we go again!
Hate thinking of getting old but beginning to do the things which demonstrate the age thing!
One thing in particular is recalling former friends who haven't been in touch through Friends Reunited. Are they still around I wonder! Then there are the memories these people invoke, from childhood, school and teenage years and all the other times since...Good memories stick though! Nice people still give good feelings.
However I live in the "Present Age" and that is where it happens, looking forward to having the grandchildren all to ourselves in August followed naturally by our own holidays. Seems about right! Can't be that old doing this type of thing!
One thing in particular is recalling former friends who haven't been in touch through Friends Reunited. Are they still around I wonder! Then there are the memories these people invoke, from childhood, school and teenage years and all the other times since...Good memories stick though! Nice people still give good feelings.
However I live in the "Present Age" and that is where it happens, looking forward to having the grandchildren all to ourselves in August followed naturally by our own holidays. Seems about right! Can't be that old doing this type of thing!
Saturday, 16 June 2007
rhythm of life
The rhythm of life goes on irrespective of our conscious involvement or not! Even the effects of global warming will be worked out on the earth just like the ice age 10,000 years ago in these islands.
Betsy was asleep being pushed around in her pram in Dulwich park when we came across 3 pea hens nests. Each one had instinctively built their nest after mating to ensure the rhythm of life continued and were sat there instinctively bringing to life or protecting that which they had helped create. Only a clever predator could take away that which was under their wings.
This week Jeanette Cook finally left this life after caring for her chicks for nearly 44 years but she prepared them well enough to fend for themselves and committed them to the great protector, our HEAVENLY FATHER!
Betsy was asleep being pushed around in her pram in Dulwich park when we came across 3 pea hens nests. Each one had instinctively built their nest after mating to ensure the rhythm of life continued and were sat there instinctively bringing to life or protecting that which they had helped create. Only a clever predator could take away that which was under their wings.
This week Jeanette Cook finally left this life after caring for her chicks for nearly 44 years but she prepared them well enough to fend for themselves and committed them to the great protector, our HEAVENLY FATHER!
Friday, 8 June 2007
supporting friends
We will go to Southport next Thursday 14th. June to say our goodbyes to Jeanette and to be there for the family. Such a sensitive time for people coming to terms with a loved one leaving this earth.
I'm glad I worship in a community which encourages a mixture of joy and celebration at times like this, and I love the expression "Promoted to Glory."
I'm glad I worship in a community which encourages a mixture of joy and celebration at times like this, and I love the expression "Promoted to Glory."
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
happy 'n sad
Phoned Cecily to wish her happy birthday last Saturday and later Melanie phoned to say Cecily's gran had gone to heaven. Mixed emotions that day and special thoughts for two people.
We mentioned before about 'special people' and we say goodbye to Jeanette Cook.
The funeral will be the last hurdle for the Cook family and we will support them in prayer. Until then, happy memories!
We mentioned before about 'special people' and we say goodbye to Jeanette Cook.
The funeral will be the last hurdle for the Cook family and we will support them in prayer. Until then, happy memories!
Thursday, 24 May 2007
fairy tales
I was still hoping fairy tales were true. Not the ones I used to read to the children when they were small. Today's fairy tales bear no resemblance to the ones I used to tell, PC got in the way in recent years.
Anyway, parents like me used a lot of embellishment to tell a tale, anything to satisfy little ears before they finally nodded off and had to be carried up stairs to bed. Today's version of Goldilocks and the 3 bears, Little Red Riding Hood, Chicken Licken have all landed on the PC cutting room floor.
Last night I wanted a fairy tale and I wanted it to end like the ones I told the children, in favour of the good guys! But it wasn't to be Liverpool's football's night and I went off to bed sad!!
I have to disagree with the great football legend Bill Shankly who said that football is more important than life and death!!!
Anyway, parents like me used a lot of embellishment to tell a tale, anything to satisfy little ears before they finally nodded off and had to be carried up stairs to bed. Today's version of Goldilocks and the 3 bears, Little Red Riding Hood, Chicken Licken have all landed on the PC cutting room floor.
Last night I wanted a fairy tale and I wanted it to end like the ones I told the children, in favour of the good guys! But it wasn't to be Liverpool's football's night and I went off to bed sad!!
I have to disagree with the great football legend Bill Shankly who said that football is more important than life and death!!!
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Monday, 21 May 2007
getting started
Melanie, our eldest daughter, inspired us to have a blog. Her daily blog lights up our day with the antics of her delightful family, look in and see!
Brenda and I are working for The Salvation Army at RAF Honington Suffolk.
3 years ago the RAF requested The Salvation Army come in and operate a coffee spot within the community centre which is accessible to civilians and RAF personnell.
Since then we have been able to access the station and meet the people who train for the theatre of war in Basra and Afganistan.
The people here have needs like anyone else, and beneath the stiff upper lip persona associated with the uniform we have uncovered people with anxieties about world conflicts, but feel they can't talk to anyone else in a blue uniform.
We will be ready to leave this place before our 5 year tenure is up and hopefully The Salvation Army will find us a place back in social services where we belong!
Brenda and I are working for The Salvation Army at RAF Honington Suffolk.
3 years ago the RAF requested The Salvation Army come in and operate a coffee spot within the community centre which is accessible to civilians and RAF personnell.
Since then we have been able to access the station and meet the people who train for the theatre of war in Basra and Afganistan.
The people here have needs like anyone else, and beneath the stiff upper lip persona associated with the uniform we have uncovered people with anxieties about world conflicts, but feel they can't talk to anyone else in a blue uniform.
We will be ready to leave this place before our 5 year tenure is up and hopefully The Salvation Army will find us a place back in social services where we belong!
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