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?