Post script.
The phone rang in the evening and I thought I recognised the
low, slow voice of my old friend Pat. She
was born three months after me – delivered by my midwife grand mother, so we
were sort of sisters. She was blonde,
bonny and serene and when I visited my Gran we became playmates.
As Pat had married I didn’t recognise the name but curiosity
won the day and I had a long puzzling conversation with her husband until the
penny dropped. It was a happy reunion;
she still lived in the north and when we visited our cottage in Skipton we
would get together and catch up.
Coincidentally her husband Jack was born and bred in the next street to my Grandfather in Cleator Moor.
In later years Pat and I would catch up with long telephone
conversations. She was very proud of her
children and grand-children – none of whom I had met.
The voice on the phone was her daughter; she had seem my
Christmas card, finally found my phone number and was telling me that her much
loved mother passed away some time ago.
I realised I hadn’t heard since I sent her birthday card and wished I
had phoned her. Her daughter told me her
father died in October – which was a blessed release, but her mother’s death
had been a great shock and I really felt for her.
She asked me how we had known each other and was very
interested in hearing about our childhood.
When Gran delivered Pat she asked her mother what they were going to call
her and when they said Patricia, Gran – in her forthright way said;
“Oh no you can’t: my granddaughter is christened Patricia.”
Requiem in pace dearest Patricia.
8 comments:
Oh, My dear Pat...I'm so sorry to read of your loss. I know how hard it is to lose old and treasured friends---especially dear friends from Childhood. At our age, there aren't that many people left who one has such a long history with......My heart goes out to you, my dear. How meaningful to be able to share with Pat's daughter many things she had not known.
It is strange---just today I was thinking about calling old friends just to touch base once again, and I DID call one friend, but they weren't home. I know I will try again.
Sending you Hugs, my dear Pat.
I'm so sorry, Pat. It's such a blow, losing an old friend.
Yours was a gift in the call and hers was a gift in the call. How much she must have loved hearing your stories of her mother.
Naomi,Z and Grannie Annie thank you.xoxox
that was a hard call to make and receive but I'm glad you are in touch.
I have a sad story too. See my latest post (when I write it).
Roseneath: sorry to hear it. Will be over later.
That was so sweet of her daughter to call, even though it did bring such sad news.
Perhaps her calling you was her way of keeping her mother's memory alive.
Hug hug.
A blessed holiday to you and all the special people in your life.
The loss of a friend is often as painful as the loss of a relative. I'm so sorry.
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