My Aunt

My aunt died this morning at the hospice. Her younger brother and older sister were staying the night with her and my parents were able to drive over quickly.

I'm glad that I have been on the phone a lot with my mother these past weeks. Other than living round the corner from them, this is the best contact and is easy to arrange.

I'm also glad that they had set up a routine of getting together to have a drink and something to eat together each evening after being with my aunt. I think they all sat round a table on the balcony outside her room, so she could hear them, but could just be in peace nearby.

Now that special time is over and they are all scattering to the winds, on their travels up, down and outside the country.

So quiet

1. Because both boys are out at the cinema for the A Team. They are off by themselves and I will be waiting in the reception well in advance of the end of the film to meet them. We are all in the house and they are out and about. This is the start of a new phase. We will be up 'til all hours afterwards. That will be fun. They'll be extra hungry too.

2. Because I am waiting for updates from my mother and there are no calls. I don't want to have a bath in case I miss a ring. That is silly as I'd just call back 30 mins later. They have been at the hospice and my mother's voice sounded all squeaky with emotion earlier. Thinking about it, now is just the right time for a warm bath. Then I can whizz my apricot icecream and pat my rising bread.