Sunday, 10 February 2013

Magpie 155



For February the Twelfth - A 21st. Anniversary

We were young, newly-married,and money was in very short supply. Just once a week we went out, to the local pub, where (occasionally, if we were feeling flush) we ran to chicken and chips.

I remember so clearly you saying one night, as we stood at the bar:"just think - one day one of us is going to die in the other's arms!"

But it didn't happen that way, did it? On the morning you died, when the hospital phoned to tell me to come at once, I had to arrange for someone to care for the children, and then the car wouldn't start and I was late. Too late. So instead of dying in my arms, you died in a hospital ward surrounded by strangers.

I have sat with many people as they died, but I wasn't with you.

I can't even tell you I'm sorry.



(This is a sad time of year for me, and this picture immediately brought this memory to mind. Thanks to Tess at Magpie Tales for the picture)
Posted by at

41 comments:

  1. Kathe W.10 February 2013 at 19:22

    oh that is very sad not to be with a loved one when they die. Well written from your heart.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wendy's Writing10 February 2013 at 19:29

    A sobering reminder to us all that life doesn't always turn out as we expect it to. Will think of you on 12th and you must think happy thoughts of lovely times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Frances Garrood12 February 2013 at 17:38

      Thanks, Wendy. I do have the memories, as you say, and the children, who are a part of him (one is almost a clone!).

      Delete
  3. Anonymous10 February 2013 at 19:30

    sorry for you loss. i hope you have good memories too

    Initiated Kiss

    ReplyDelete
  4. Helen10 February 2013 at 19:40

    My heart goes out to you .... words fail me right now.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Joanna10 February 2013 at 20:36

    The picture is beautiful. I can imagine how it made you feel. Your words are deeply moving. They will stay with me for a along time. I'm so sorry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Frances Garrood12 February 2013 at 17:40

      Thank you, Joanna. I suppose it was a bit self-indulgent, but writing a few words does help.

      Delete
  6. Little Nell10 February 2013 at 20:37

    Frances, this is so sad. I'm sorry you didn't make it in time, but please think of all the happy memories you have and try not to dwell on this.

    ReplyDelete
  7. 21 Wits10 February 2013 at 21:59

    Oh so very sorry for such a horrible thing to happen at such a sad time..... hang tightly NOW to those fond warm memories that makes your heart sing with joy at the thought of them!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ginny Brannan10 February 2013 at 22:11

    We can't beat ourselves up forever over the "coulda, woulda, shoulda's." We must hold onto all that was good. In heaven there is no blame, no regrets, only joy and love as we reunite with those who left us much to early. Thank you for touching me with your words.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Susan Flett Swiderski11 February 2013 at 02:25

    Heartbreaking. I'm so sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Colette McCormick11 February 2013 at 07:42

    Sorry you didn't make it in time but I'm sure he knew you loved him. Hold onto the good memories.

    ReplyDelete
  11. libby11 February 2013 at 08:42

    So sad.....and unexpected.....so sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Berowne11 February 2013 at 10:24

    Wistful melancholy. Beautifully expressed.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sueann11 February 2013 at 10:44

    Oh my...so sad and poignant! Tender and sweet
    Hugs
    SueAnn

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yvonne Osborne11 February 2013 at 15:42

    That is very sad. It happens, I think, to many of us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Frances Garrood12 February 2013 at 17:44

      I think it happened to me before any of my friends, Yvonne. Now, I try to remember their anniversaries.

      Delete
  15. DawnTreader11 February 2013 at 17:05

    Sad; and reminds me of my parents... (who also died without the 'proper' goodbyes)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Frances Garrood12 February 2013 at 17:45

      There's rarley time or opportunity to say goodbye, is there?

      Delete
  16. Patsy11 February 2013 at 18:21

    That's so sad, Frances.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Susan Anderson11 February 2013 at 19:37

    It's hard not to have the closure we would have wanted, especially when the love runs so deep.

    Sorry it went down that way.

    "/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Frances Garrood12 February 2013 at 17:45

      But at least I had 21 years with him. Thank you, Sue.

      Delete
  18. Doctor FTSE12 February 2013 at 07:06

    So sad. So beautifully expressed.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Frances Garrood12 February 2013 at 17:46

    Thank you, Doctor FTSE.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Jinksy12 February 2013 at 19:38

    Far cry from your usual Mags, therefore twice as poignant. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Frances Garrood12 February 2013 at 22:06

      Thanks, Jinksy. It wasnt planned, but just....happened.

      Delete
  21. Judy Roney13 February 2013 at 03:12

    Hugs to you. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. I'm so sorry for your loss but glad you wrote this.

    ReplyDelete
  22. hyperCRYPTICal13 February 2013 at 13:01

    Oh Frances - so sad am I for you my friend. It is heartbreaking when we miss the final goodbye of someone we love so dearly.

    My thoughts are with you at this sad time for you.

    Loads hugs. Anna

    ReplyDelete
  23. Frances Garrood13 February 2013 at 14:51

    Thanks, Anna. Hugs are always good!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Helena14 February 2013 at 21:55

    It's perfectly understandable to act within sad times if it's how your heart needs to write! I never made it to say goodbye to my mother and even after all these years it's still difficult to reflect upon.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)