Cherish
Yesterday my sister would have celebrated her 31st birthday. I was glad it was a Friday and a work day because I think I would’ve sat and dwelled on it a lot otherwise. I was also fortunate that due to an illness earlier in the week, my part-time coworker actually worked on Friday and I didn’t have to sit in the office by myself. My mom took the day off and headed north for the weekend to spend it with her friend who lost her son in an accident about 15 years ago. I’m sure there has been much wine drinking.
I wanted to write a post about it yesterday, but I really didn’t know what to say other than I really miss her and know all these firsts are going to be really tough.
As for myself, I’m taking it easy. After a busy day on Thursday that involved finding someone to see for grief counselling and a physiotherapy appointment, I found myself on two new walks home that were just stunning. This area is so beautiful that I’m contemplating my decision to move closer to work… I took my bike in this morning for a tune-up and will get it back Monday. I realised how much I actually miss cycling and how much better it makes me feel so I am going to just suck it up and find my way around, hills be damned.
I visited the Durham Cathedral last weekend during the long weekend. You aren’t allowed to take photos inside and I didn’t even feel like I could take any sneaky ones since it was so busy. I did climb up the tower which was more tiring than I expected. 300+ steps that wind round and round and get narrower and narrower. It was very windy on top of the tower, but the views were beautiful. FYI The picture at the very top is of the Cloisters.
After I was done visiting the Cathedral I went and sat in a quiet little garden around the back of it and started knitting. Every bench was taken when I arrived and five minutes later there was an exodus… hope it was just ’cause it was lunch time. An older couple was leaving and the woman stopped and cooed and said “You don’t see that much these days! Can I have a look?” She reached out and touched the sock I was knitting and said “Aren’t you clever! That’s gorgeous.” It was nice to be complemented. I didn’t stay for much longer as a family arrived with children who weren’t ready to sit still and eat lunch.
We’re having another lovely weekend and it’s definitely going much faster than I’d like. It’s still very light out so it’s a bit deceiving as to how much of the weekend is already gone.
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Comments
The firsts are the worst. At least they only come once.
That is truly incredible architecture and scenery. Wow! I’ve been reading Ken Follet’s Pillars of the Earth, which centers around 12th century cathedral building, so it’s extra interesting to look at these buildings!
Posted by: jillian | May 31st, 2008 20:34
Like jillian said, the firsts are the worst. The pain will become less over time, but you never forget. *hugs*
Your experience with the woman admiring your work was special. I’ve had that happen a couple of times . . . with once someone saying it was “a dying art.” That one I took a little hard and had to assure that person that in no way was it dying, that it was actually in a resurgence. As long as someone knits, it never goes away.
I will be thinking of your sister today.
Posted by: Leslie | June 1st, 2008 00:49
Keep your chin up pet - it will get better.
Are you converted to the north now? Didn’t realise Durham was so beautiful, but yes - North=hills so you have to work to see the good stuff I’m afraid!
Posted by: Bryony | June 1st, 2008 07:45
Hate to join the chorus and I know it sounds silly, but the first few are the hardest; even after 35 years, it still is raw.
Love the photos of the cathedral. That is my one regret of never having toured it - seen it from afar yes, but never toured it.
Posted by: Ava | June 2nd, 2008 19:50
Birthdays and deathiversaries are hard, especially the early ones, especially when the person should have had many more years. But you never forget, though it gets a bit easier with time. I still go shopping with Mum in dreams, LOL.
Durham looks lovely - your pics are wonderful. Pity about the flat though, and I have done the same sort of thing with socks (12 differences in one “pair”!).
Posted by: lynne s of oz | June 2nd, 2008 21:26
(((HUGS)))) I am really glad you didn’t have to be alone. ((((HUGS))))
Posted by: Alicia | June 3rd, 2008 19:39