After we all got cleaned up and breakfasted, our kind host extended his generosity and agreed to chauffeur us around for Mum's trip down memory lane. His years as a London cabbie served him well as we weaved about the streets of Harrow, Pinner and Stanmore. We started with mum's childhood home that she and her family shared with Bob and Carols family. 38 Bedford Road. No fewer than 9 beating hearts in a 2 floor home of about 800 square feet! It was still there and looked well cared for. At some point, there was a large addition put on and a garage added but the lane way that Mum took to school was still there. We then went off in search of Mum's primary school and found that it had been torn down. Next stop was 9 somethingbury Road which was the council house Mum moved into when she was about 8; they were awarded the spot b/c Pop was suffering with TB. He was in and out of hospital for those years but they all pitched in and managed together. Mum did not pass her 11 Plus exam so went to Camden School but did pass the 13 plus exam and was the only one in the neighborhood to don a uniform and go to a technical college: Kilburn Polytechnic. She had to take the tube to get there and was very proud to be learning business skills and getting ready for the workforce!
We enjoyed hearing about first jobs, first loves and preparations for the big adventure - moving to Canada. We saw the road where she and Sue kicked off their journey with their suitcases in their hands and butterflies in their stomachs! The plan was to go for six months but somehow that turned into 39 years - who knew that they would never move back!
In the afternoon we drove down to Hampton to meet cousin Kelda and Laura. We had a great time catching up with them and hearing about what's been going on in their lives and boring them with pictures of our kids. We also had our last pub meal - this last 10 days has not been a banner time for healthy eating so I think all of us will be happy to take a break from fried food and get a little bit back to normal. After we got back to Bob and Mildred's and spent a little time visiting with them and sharing some stories about Clayton, we had to face the inevitable. We are parting ways tomorrow morning with Beverley back to kids and house remodeling in California; Alison back to kids and work in Newmarket and Mum and Dad onto Devon for a few more days of holidays - hopefully at a slightly slower pace!
It was such a precious time for us to spend together and was a great reminder of how very fortunate we all are to have our health, strength and each other.
Happy Birthday Mom and Dad! We love you!! Xoxox
No comments:
Post a Comment