This is a beautiful post, Pipp. We lost my mother-in-law in January and I really was with you as you were scattering ashes in a world you didn't know. I love this post, it is full of honesty, emotion and humour, everything really that helps get us through life's big challenges. The piece you wrote to read was very moving and very courageous. Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope you and your Dad have lots of things to smile about this coming New Year. xx
Thank you Sarah. I’m sorry for your loss too. I doubted whether to post this one at all but it’s just about all I have written in four weeks. I hoped the humour would help soften the story. So, many thanks for your encouragement🙏✨
I stumbled across this post this morning, and it has profoundly moved me. I haven't lost a parent, but having moved to LA from England ten years ago, I know all too well that feeling of being caught between two places. You write so poignantly about your need to protect your dad. He's lucky to have you.
I'm sorry for your loss. I thought the piece you wrote to read at the cemetery was beautiful.
Oh, I recognise all the emotions of "leaving behind" so well. Living in a different country to your family, especially as they age, is hard. You've made a new home for yourself, and yet the old one keeps pulling, and there will always be feelings of guilt. Just know that you're not alone.
Hi Lisa, oh it feels like the burden is a tiny bit shared with your words. Actually, now I think about it, we’re so lucky now to be able to talk online, aren’t we? It must have been even harder in the past.
There is a herd/flock of alpaca (not sure what a group would be called?) not too far from me, there were 70 odd when I last visited, every one of them had a name. it is run by two very darling (very) Englishmen who make cute things from the wool and sell them for ruinous prices from a gorgeously decorated room - Homes and Gardens gorgeous - in their home... there are also 30 chickens and various dogs, also all with names and they remember every one of them!
Even the tractor was named; Terence, it is the only one I can remember.
I'm just trying to distract you from your tears lovely... just for a moment at least!
This is beautifully written, "the trees are soft green with mossy arms and shoulders" I love that.
And your letter to your mum made me cry...
Big hugs to you, and thank you always for sharing my notes from December .. xxx
When my mum died I felt I connected more deeply with my dad, giving me a chance to know him without having to treat mum and dad as a couple. I had ten years of that till he reached his 100th birthday living as independently as possible to the end. Nurtured by his frequent contact with me, my family and dogs and my brother and his friends from the gym where he exercised three times a week. You’re lucky to have your dad still - make the most of it xx
Yes I think you are right Gwen. It has already felt good to spend more time with him. Now all the ceremonial things are done. How wonderful that he lived so well to a hundred. Thank you for writing to me. Your message is very positive
It's good you were able to share the ritual of scattering your mother's ashes with other members of the family, Pipp. A strange experience, hopefully cathartic. Hoping your dad is okay on his own.
That's a LOT of (admittedly cute) alpacas they're caring for! I mean, how many can they walk at a time?!
This is a beautiful post, Pipp. We lost my mother-in-law in January and I really was with you as you were scattering ashes in a world you didn't know. I love this post, it is full of honesty, emotion and humour, everything really that helps get us through life's big challenges. The piece you wrote to read was very moving and very courageous. Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope you and your Dad have lots of things to smile about this coming New Year. xx
Rest and heal and keep writing the way you do with great authenticity. You and your writing matters.❤️
Thank you Sarah. I’m sorry for your loss too. I doubted whether to post this one at all but it’s just about all I have written in four weeks. I hoped the humour would help soften the story. So, many thanks for your encouragement🙏✨
Hello Pipp,
I stumbled across this post this morning, and it has profoundly moved me. I haven't lost a parent, but having moved to LA from England ten years ago, I know all too well that feeling of being caught between two places. You write so poignantly about your need to protect your dad. He's lucky to have you.
I'm sorry for your loss. I thought the piece you wrote to read at the cemetery was beautiful.
Hello Vivian thank you for your words. Really. My turn to be moved.
Oh, I recognise all the emotions of "leaving behind" so well. Living in a different country to your family, especially as they age, is hard. You've made a new home for yourself, and yet the old one keeps pulling, and there will always be feelings of guilt. Just know that you're not alone.
Hi Lisa, oh it feels like the burden is a tiny bit shared with your words. Actually, now I think about it, we’re so lucky now to be able to talk online, aren’t we? It must have been even harder in the past.
I left Sweden in 1992 when I was 19. Back then we were still writing letters and scheduling very expensive phone calls. 🤓
Gosh we forget all that. So much easier now xx
There is a herd/flock of alpaca (not sure what a group would be called?) not too far from me, there were 70 odd when I last visited, every one of them had a name. it is run by two very darling (very) Englishmen who make cute things from the wool and sell them for ruinous prices from a gorgeously decorated room - Homes and Gardens gorgeous - in their home... there are also 30 chickens and various dogs, also all with names and they remember every one of them!
Even the tractor was named; Terence, it is the only one I can remember.
I'm just trying to distract you from your tears lovely... just for a moment at least!
This is beautifully written, "the trees are soft green with mossy arms and shoulders" I love that.
And your letter to your mum made me cry...
Big hugs to you, and thank you always for sharing my notes from December .. xxx
Thank you Susie
A tractor called Terence!! Lovely💕
When my mum died I felt I connected more deeply with my dad, giving me a chance to know him without having to treat mum and dad as a couple. I had ten years of that till he reached his 100th birthday living as independently as possible to the end. Nurtured by his frequent contact with me, my family and dogs and my brother and his friends from the gym where he exercised three times a week. You’re lucky to have your dad still - make the most of it xx
Yes I think you are right Gwen. It has already felt good to spend more time with him. Now all the ceremonial things are done. How wonderful that he lived so well to a hundred. Thank you for writing to me. Your message is very positive
It's good you were able to share the ritual of scattering your mother's ashes with other members of the family, Pipp. A strange experience, hopefully cathartic. Hoping your dad is okay on his own.
That's a LOT of (admittedly cute) alpacas they're caring for! I mean, how many can they walk at a time?!
Thanks Wendy. I know!! How many Alpacas do you need!!?
Lovely story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Wishing all of you peace.
Thank you Ahlaya.