Sunday, January 24, 2010

The End of an Era


Yes we’ll keep in touch. Yes we’ll meet again and yes we remaining trio will keep the flag flying but it will never be the same again. Almost 25 year of intense friendship between four women and the catalyst – the glue which kept us bonded – after months of broken chains and disappointments is finally leaving - our much loved Margaret.


Last Friday we were having a farewell (not – we hope – a last) lunch together. Three of us walked down the lane – thankful that the torrential rain held off – and met up with Joy - who lives above us but had taken a shorter route - at the Italian restaurant.


As none of us were driving, the three younger, naughty ones had large glasses of wine whilst Jackie had the normal size. We were pleasantly surprised to find the main dishes were priced at £3. Joy had spag bog and three of us had various omelettes with a plate of bruschetta.


There was a lot of laughter and not a few tears as we looked back on the highlights and low lights of our time together and agreed how blessed we had been to spend it in so lovely an area. Unusually none of us were very hungry so we decided to walk back to mine and have coffee and éclairs (weight watchers – delicious but healthy –ish) instead of dessert.. Margaret gave us each a gift and a letter saying what we all felt. And then we had a glass of Christmas port - because it was there


At last the time came to go our separate ways and Jackie said plaintively:


‘We always said we’d end up in a home together.’ More laughter and tears. Can you imagine four elderly ladies having a group hug?

26 comments:

Gia Fernandes said...

How lovely and a little sad too! Is she going very far away? I hope you all can meet sometimes, if not as often as before.

Kim Ayres said...

Glad you enjoyed your last-ish get together

Also pleased to find someone else who says "spag bog". It's what I used to call it when I was younger, but after so many years being told it's "spag bol" I was beginning to think I'd imagined it

Unknown said...

My dughters refer to it as 'spag blog' which is possibly a reference to we bloggers???

St Jude said...

I had to part from three wonderful friends three years ago when I moved back north. I keep in touch with them, but it still feels odd hearing about their outings without me. We have agreed that this year we will meet up and spend a weekend together.

Pat said...

CloudCutter: it's about two counties away. Jackie's daughter says she goes there occasionally and will drive us over for the day. We can all meet up in Taunton - we need to find a sympathetic meeting place.

Kim and Mike amp: it's been spag bog since my eldest was at university - I hadn't heard spag blog:)

St Jude: that's a great idea. Margaret has said she can put the three of us up but I suspect they would be sleeping in the garage. We'll find a way - we're determined.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps it's just my American-ness, but Britain's not that large. Just pop on the train four or five times a year for a good weekend. No driving, plenty of good food and wine. Plus, think of all the thinks you'll have to talk about when you catch up.

Good friendships are too valuable to let slip away because of something as trifling as proximity.

Cheers.

Leah said...

...this got me choked up not a little bit...

"Spag bog" is brilliant and I'm going to co-opt it!

xo

Madame DeFarge said...

I'm envious of these close knit friendships, having so few, either now or in the past. It gives me hope for the future. Hope you still manage to meet up regularly.

DILLIGAF said...

Friends will always be friends.

My Malci moved to Hayling Island with his Tina after losing his Carol.

Distance doesn't stop friendship - there's always the phone after all!!!

Besides...When you go to them or they to you for a weekend it's all the more enjoyable and valuable when they no longer live in our pockets!

savannah said...

*sigh* it's never easy saying good bye, sugar! that's probably why we always say, i'll see you tomorrow! xoxoxoxo

Eryl said...

The end of an era but the start of a new one. It may be beyond the bounds of the imagination but the new one could be even better than the last. I moved, 13 years ago, about three hundred miles from all my friends, but the closest actually got closer. And although we see each other only a few times a year it always feels when we are together as if there is nothing between us. The best thing is that the strength of our friendship has been proved beyond doubt.

We call it 'bologs' here, can't remember why, but it's either rude (sounds a bit like bollocks?) or the result of amusing mispronunciation.

Nea said...

Blessed to live in such a beautiful place, but also to have each other.

My friend Margaret lives on the edge of the Kalahari. I haven't seen her for 8 years and I really miss her :(

Pat said...

Randall: husbands not withstanding I'm sure we'll manage some continuity. Not that our husbands would object but we aren't keen to leave then to fend for themselves.

Leah: don't be sad. We are blessed.

MadameD:I have been lucky and have friends from when I was a toddler. The only area of my life when I didn't make lasting friends a when I was modelling.

Four.D: yes the phone is great especially now there are so many free times. Shame they don't use computers.

Savannah: Margaret really is seeing me tomorrow - she doesn't leave till Friday.

Eryl: I like bollog. I'll try it out on the kids

Nea: we are all a bit long in the tooth to wait 8 years. Summer is a cumin when travel will be easier. I hope you see your friemd before long. They are like plants and need a bit of nourishment.

mapstew said...

Pat, the world is so small these days, and I know, when close pals move away it can be sad.
But, I think, when the object of our happiness is further away, we sometimes make that bit more effort to make connections. Or is that just me?

:¬)

xxx

Kevin Musgrove said...

Glad the meal went well.

And now you've all got the excuse to let your hair down in a neutral venue without having to worry about whether or not you're going to appear in the local papers!

lom said...

sat here crying, happy/sad tears. It's sad but you all have all those wonderful memories, and I hop lots of photo's

Pat said...

Mapstew: you are absolutely right and I'm feeling much better about it. It's harder on Margaret but at least she will have her daughters close by.

Kevin: don't tempt me:)

LOM: we are definitely going to make MORE memories so be happy:)

kenju said...

Oh, yes, I CAN imagine it and applaud it! Too bad Margaret is going away. Dare I ask what spag bog is? Some sort of spaghetti?

Pat said...

Judy: it's what my #1 son christened spaghetti bolognaise or is it bolognese?

Queenie said...

Pat, that is a beautifully written, poignant post which brought a lump to my throat. Wishing the four of you many more boozy lunches and group hugs.

Pat said...

Queenie: thank you - it just wrote itself and I'm sure we will.

Charlie said...

Parting is such sweet sorrow . . .

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

25 years of intense friendship sounds wonderful. Truly, deliciously wonderful. I hope you can all find ways and means to get together ever so often.

Pat said...

Charlie: you say that beautifully:)

GG: we will. Joy phoned today and we renewed our vows to continue the friendship and are meeting tomorrow to get one last gift for her.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

It is touching to read about your Farewell Lunch, my dear. I know how heartbreaking this must be for you all...Such wonderful times for so many years...!
Who knows, maybe you all WILL end up in a "home" together....lol!

Pat said...

Naomi: thanks for that cheering thought.LOL!