The Best Medicine

We have felt blue and weary during the weeks surrounding Nigel’s sister’s death.

Fortunately for us, our old friends David and Carolyn did what they could to help.

Months before all this happened, Carolyn had booked a house in the Peak District where we were to meet them for a long weekend.  As the date approached, it seemed unlikely we would make it.

When the date for Sandy’s funeral was set for that Friday, it looked as if our trip was off.

Except that other family members were supporting Nigel’s mother following the funeral, so our presence wasn’t needed after all.

David and Carolyn gave up their Friday to attend the funeral and then went ahead of us to Derbyshire where they had dinner waiting for us when we arrived.  They took us on a long rainy, muddy walk on Saturday.  Then Carolyn and I found a creche in which to leave the menfolk (The Queen’s Head) and raided the charity shops of Bakewell – a form of retail therapy which is both green and socially responsible.

And we talked.  How we talked!

By the end of the weekend we were making silly jokes and laughing again.

That doesn’t mean we are now fine. 

But it was a welcome oasis along the path of bereavement.

Thank you to David and Carolyn for the gift of your friendship.

Tapir

Mark and Adri were coming to lunch with their offspring, Thea and Ben.

Adri texted, “What would you like us to bring?”

My fingers hovered over the key pad.

The designated reply, in accordance with Middle Class Politeness is

“Just bring yourselves.”

On receiving it, Adri and Mark would scratch their heads and probably resort to flowers.

All seemed so dull.

I found myself typing,

“I have always particularly wanted my own tapir.”

ADRI:  “That may be difficult to arrange at such short notice.”

ME:     “You are crap guests.”

In fact, they thoughtfully brought a clematis to cover up our unsightly exposed fence.

But then, a week later, a package arrived by post.

I had ordered nothing and could not think what it might be.

Inside was a beautifully carved and painted wooden tapir.

Adri and Mark, thank you so much.

And particularly thank you for not sending a live specimen.  I understand caring for them can be ...tricky.