Friday, August 17, 2007

Goodbye Gran!

Story contd.

As I said at the beginning (archives Jan 16th 2006) Gran was the greatest influence in my childhood and she died before ever seeing my new son. She would have thought it fitting. She always said the normal span of life was three score years and ten and she had reached that. Also she would have thought she must make room for the new member of the family. I’m relieved that ideas have changed somewhat; my father died in his mid- eighties and Mum was definitely taken before her time, aged 90 as a result of too much flying.

Always believing that breast is best, I wanted to nurse #1son through the baby’s most vulnerable time – the first year, and managed to quell the pangs of grief to keep the milk flowing. As he thrived and got bigger I started to shrink and at eleven months I got a period and Mum said that was a sign to stop nursing – so I did, content that he must have got most of my immunities. It seemed to work; the childhood diseases both boys got were ones I never had.

One of the best things I did was to teach William how to bath the baby and from then on he was a devoted, hands on father. What was missing in our relationship was compensated by our relationship with our children – total, unconditional love. Life was pleasant enough; I have always thrived on routine and so did baby and we had our new friends and their babies to go for walks and have tea parties whilst our boys sat, crawled or rolled about according to their different accomplishments.

I had no intention of doing any more modelling and then one of my favourite photographers - Neil Nimmo asked if he could come to photograph the baby. I said yes because he was a charming man and it would be lovely to have some first-rate photographs which would have cost us a bomb. Then we heard that Heinz wanted to use us as the Heinz mother and baby. I refused – politely telling them I was nursing him and I didn’t want to interrupt his routine. They assured me that everything would be done around him and nothing would be allowed to interfere with his schedule; they would send a chauffeur driven car, I would have privacy to feed him deed dah deed dah!

After much discussion William and I decided to give it a go with the proviso that if it was upsetting him we stopped. We were going to appear on TV using me to introduce the advertisement as a well known model. I was given a script and I proceeded to learn it – as I thought. It was so simple – just me introducing myself telling them about my baby and how he enjoyed Heinz baby food which happened to be true and I loved the chocolate mousse!

I think the car was a Silver Shadow – very posh, and quite a few neighbours happened to be around when we were picked up. I was tempted to give the Royal wave but thought it might affect future relations so restrained myself. At the studio they were as good as their word and baby’s well- being came first. I settled him in his carry –cot whilst I did my piece to camera. They asked if I would like it broken up into short bits but I said no – I would do it all in one – easy peasy!

By the time they had finished with adjusting the lights and light meters with me brilliantly lit and blinded so I couldn’t see all the people talking around me I was a little unnerved.

The director finally said they were going for a take and a hush descended.

Director; Action!

Pat: (beaming smile) Hello my name is … (my smile froze. What the hell was my name again?)

Director: Cut!

After a little chat we agreed that we would do it in small bites. I was mortified. This was nothing like talking on stage or being photographed in a studio – it was a whole new ball game. They couldn’t have been nicer and said it was better breaking it up as I could change position which made it more interesting to the viewer. The next bit was mother and son together. Now what?

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oooh, it almost sounds as though it might be suitable for an 'Outtakes' programme. . . .
Can't wait to hear what happens next.

Heather said...

Hello Michele sent me. You have a really nice blog and some great stories. I'll be back again to catch up on more.
Happy Friday btw.

Pat said...

sablonneuse: thank Heaven they didn't do them in those days. I felt such a ninny!

Heather: thanks - you'll be very welcome!

Anonymous said...

Good to read your anecdotes. Hence Michele sends me again.

Jean-Luc Picard said...

A wonderful story to tell us, Pat.

Pat said...

Thank you gautami and Jean-luc!

Tawcan said...

Hello Michele sent me here. Interesting story.

Pat said...

Hi Tawcan ! Glad you found it interesting:)

Paul Nichols said...

Great story, Pat.

Here from Michele's.

Pat said...

Thanks Paul!

Mike Davis said...

Wow, that's fascinating! I'm going to stick around and read more!

Michele sent me, but glad I came!

Moon said...

Hi Pat..thanks for your comment on my blog...I just had to come see your blasts from the past also lol..so glad I did!! will be back for sure! Awesome photo btw u were are both beautiful!!

kenju said...

Please don't wait to long to continue!!

Zinnia Cyclamen said...

Oh those horrible nightmare moments...

'Now what' indeed, you tease!

Shannon akaMonty said...

You're such a celebrity. :) Now, please tell me why the DO NOT MAKE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE anymore?? hehehe

(I'm loving the pictures on the other entries!)

Howdy, Michele sent me!

Melody said...

Hi Pat, Michele sent me today. Wow - what a story. How fabulous. That piccie of you and son in post below is brilliant. Simply brilliant.

Pat said...

Hi Mike:have a nice read:)

Thankd moon - the feeling is mutual.

Hi Judy twice. It will be next week for sure.

Zinnia: be warned! When your book is published and you are the toast of the town be prepared to talk on TV and really learn your name:)

aka monty Have they stopped chocolate mousse? My poor baby never got the chance to taste it. I ate it all.

Melody: thank you - I'm glad you like it.

Unique Designs from Zazzle said...

neat story w/go along photo. You've retained your elegance as well as your beauty.

cheers from Michele's

Shane

Jean-Luc Picard said...

I visited here earlier. A fine story, Pat. Michele returned me.

Pat said...

Thanks Shane. Now you've made ;me blush.

Jean-luc: Next time scroll down or you'll get bored!

David Edward said...

what a lovely picture.
visiting quickly from michele
then off to pack some boxes.

Pat said...

David: hope all goes well with the move. I liked the picture - looks like a clean sweep:)

Anonymous said...

Happy weekend! Michele sent me. I thought it so sweet that you wrote Grans would have thought she died to make room in the family for your son. She sounds like a wonderful lady and you have done a very nice tribute.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

I can see how this "commercial" could really be difficult with so much to think about and be concerned about, too!
Your Grans sounds like she was a dear dear wonan, Pat...Sad thatshe did not get to know her Grandsons....You did say she lived to 90? That is quite a ripe age...But it sounds like she might have had quite a few more good years!

Pat said...

deana:I'm glad you said that. Thank you.

Naomi: I have confused you. Gran was my grandmother and died aged 70. It was my mother who died aged 90. gran gave up at 70. Mum was strong and healthy but emigrated to America aged 90 and then. to help my sister was making about nine flights a year. I regret it but she insisted on doing it and I believe it killed her. Took me along time to get over it.

Scouse Doris said...

I used to feed my baby brother the chocolate mousse when I was about 9 and my mum always bought an extra tin so that he would actually get to eat some. I also liked the macaroni cheese.

Great story - keep it coming!

Pat said...

Scouse Doris: deprived kids - your little brother and my baby:)