Great Budworth village, Cheshire
An entire month has floated by without a word written, I apologize for the silence.
My travels took me across an ocean blue, to my beloved homeland England.
Life happens, it was an unplanned visit, the kind that a child dreads facing one day... saying goodbye to a much-loved parent.
It was a time to reflect, and connect with long lost relatives, and despite many tears, there was much laughter and merriment shared.
I was a 'local' once again, and felt as if I'd slipped back into an old pair of well-worn, comfortable shoes.
England in all of her glory, filled my heart and soul.....
This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,--
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,--
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.
William Shakespeare. "King Richard II", Act 2 scene 1
27 comments:
Oh, I'm so sorry. I know exactly what it's like to give up a beloved parent. :-(
My sympathy to you and your family, near and far, in the loss of your dear parent. I, too, understand your sorrow as by age 53 both of my parents were gone.
This quotation was sent to me by a friend when my father died in 1983 and it helped me a lot then and ever since:
"Those we love are with the Lord and the Lord has promised to be with us.
If they are with Him, and He is with us, they cannot be far away."
- Peter Marshall, written about by his wife in "A Man Called Peter"
May your happy memories bring you comfort.
Hugs
I am so sorry Jo, my deepest and heartfelt condolences. At these times, although it is very sad for you, being together with long missed family and friends is a great comfort, with lots of memories shared. Thinking of you and sending a big hug.
Oh, my DEAR!
We never knew you were in sorrow, and hope your heart is soothed by the sustaining comfort of feeling AT HOME to share in your loved one's last days. I hope you're sustained by lovely memories---you'll be taking a walk or washing a dish, and a flash of far-ago will come to you, and it will be a wonderful moment of remembering.
I know it was a wonder and a supreme comfort to be back in England, and having longed for it all my life and visited but once, I dream that no one would happily leave that "sceptred isle" but for LOVE.
My sympathy to you and your family.
rachel
So sorry dear Jo, for the loss of you dear parent. It's good you had family and friends to connect with and also to be back "home" for a while. Blessings. Jo
Oh Jo, so sorry to read your news. It happened to me a year ago, I feel your pain. Take care x
So sorry to hear of your loss, but selfishly, I'm glad you're back. Has it really been a month? How time flies. :-)
I'm glad you had some happy moments even though it was sadness that required the trip. And I'm glad you got to spend a nice long visit instead of a hurried appearance. Hope you took lots of pictures to share...and I've thought of you while you were gone!
I am truly sorry for your loss. I've been a follower of your blog for over five years and it's hard to read you dealing with such a traumatic and unfortunate event. I hope time is good to you and helps you heal.
Very sorry for your loss. I'm glad you were able to reconnect with other loves ones while you were away. xx
I send along my sympathy and hugs. It's good to have you back!
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Mine passed last year and it doesn't matter how old you are when you lose them, you have lost your parent. I'm glad you were able to go home and reconnect.
You have certainly been in my thoughts lately. I am so sorry for the loss of one of your parents. That is such a sad time. Glad you had time back in England. I am also glad you're back. You were missed.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I understand fully the emptiness you feel when losing a cherished parent. Hang on to the good memories as they will comfort you in the days ahead. Sending a hug, Deb
I am sorry for your loss. It's tough when you live in another country when you have a death in your family. My husband is from England so I know how that can be.
Richard and I were in England also, we might have walked beside each other at the airport! I would have been the one with the wild, crazy hair and the palest face! :-)
Very sorry to read of your losing a parent, but glad you were able to reconnect with your family and friends in England. Welcome home!
My prayers for you and your family. My mother walked on when I was a teenage. My dad, some years later. I know your pain as do so many others. I suggest you begin a journal of those cherished memories, not only for yourself, but for those who will still be here when you are not.
Hugs to you and yours ...
My condolences to you and your family. I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog for a while now. It encompasses everything that I love, so it gives me a sense of peace and happiness as a read and enjoy your photos that you post. Thank you so much for sharing a little piece of your world.
I'm new to your blog.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
A sincere Thank You for your heartfelt condolences, and encouraging sentiments, they truly helped lessen the hurt.
It's a lovely feeling knowing that others share in life's moments, good or bad, happy or sad.
I'm humbled.
~Jo
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm blessed to still have both parents back in England, but they are in their late 80's so I know that call will be coming soon. I'm glad you were able to spend time reminiscing with friends and family. I thoroughly enjoy your blog. I helps me reconnect with my homeland that I miss.
Dear Jo, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you must be hurting, I am sending you big hugs. When we lose our loved ones, we still laugh with memories of fun times. We should remember the fun and joy of that person. Bless you, xoxo,Susie
I'm so sorry for your loss, words are never enough but you are in our thoughts...
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs!
Oh Jo, so sorry. Thought it was just a vacation. Glad you got to reconnect and reflect - all that goes with it. Love to you.
Sorry for your loss. I hope being back in old Blighty helped to soften the pain.
Prayers are with you and your family...God Bless each of you.
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