Scribblings from the Mitchy Side

I went down to Rainham today, to meet up with Eve's friend Jo, who has had the unenviable task of clearing the house. With help from Marion and Sue she's done a sterling job; it's nearly complete, just a few of the biggest items left, and lots of odds and sods in a couple of drawers.

I picked up a few things I wanted and, because it was such a glorious day, we decided to take the opportunity to scatter Eve's ashes in the garden. She loved her garden so much and today was her kind of day; warm but with a breeze, blue skies, sunshine and everything blooming. So we duly scattered her earthly remains on her beloved flower beds and wished her peace. Jo was absolutely distraught, poor woman, it's hit her really hard. I hugged her for ages and just let her cry - I bet it's been a while she's had the time and space to grieve.

For me, the ashes weren't the upsetting thing, what got to me afterwards was the sudden realisation that that was probably the last time I'll be in the house. That house and the people in it have been part of my life since, well, technically, since before I was born. It's just...too weird to fully comprehend that I'll never go back there and be welcomed in. Next door, yes. But not to that house.

Once she'd regained her composure, I took Jo home and then headed back. And now I'm home and absolutely shattered. A nice quiet evening chilling out is most definitely in order.

(No Chess countdown graphic today, it doesn't seem apt. But it's 16 days to go.)