Well, it’s been an interesting past 10 days back in Coalville. Mum and Dad have been at work (as one would expect), as have Mark and Kathryn (my brother and sister-in-law) and friends which I’d hoped to meet up with were either a) at university, b) abroad or c) too far away to get to without a car.
I say without a car, as dad attempted to put me on his insurance like he usually does but his present insurance company said: “computer sez no!” So yes, my long hours alone haven’t been as dedicated to reflection, meditation and prayer as the ambitious Christian in me might have liked!
It’s been good to catch up with some old friends though, some I’ve not seen since before Jack (my 18 month old nephew) was born. Mum and I have also got along remarkably well this time! On the first morning here, I woke with a start (my first feeling being: “I’M LATE”), before realising I was indeed on holiday. I raced downstairs with tears of joy filling my eyes as I rushed to tell mum how much I loved her and how much I’d missed her…only to find that she was at work. I told her later, but somehow it wasn’t the same. I wish I’d have gotten the chance to show here how much I really love her. Despite a few “near-miss” clashes of our equally strong personalities, we’ve really not been too bad this time.
It was of course GREAT to see dad again. I also pulled in a visit to see my paternal granddad who to my shame...I’ve not seen since I first joined Lee Abbey 18 months ago! It was upsetting to see how much Parkinson’s Disease has robbed him of his independence, but not so much that I couldn’t get thrashed at a game or two or dominos!
My maternal grandparents were a joy as always to be around. I even helped grandma with her Christmas puddings and got to make a wish as we stirred it for the last few times lol! Jack also barely recognised me, I thought it had got better towards the end of the week but he can still manage to run off crying at the very sight of me. Something tells me he’ll take any hugs he can when his new baby brother or sister arrives to take away some of the attention his age makes him crave.
Jeremy and Catherine are due to pick me up tomorrow afternoon (or should I say today…looking at the clock) and then it’s back to Lee Abbey. My feelings about returning can best be described as “first-day-back-at-school-nerves” only I’m not a pupil anymore, I’m a department head! So, yes I’m nervous! But then I guess that’s to be expected. I’m now more sure than ever that to London Bible College I must go (naught naughty…I must get used to saying London School of Theology) to do a Theology and Counselling qualification. The only question is…WHEN. The way I see it it’s either next September or September 2009…prayers for wisdom on this matter would be most appreciated.
Well, that’s all for now…lots of love – ME!
