Detritus

It's a sad kind of photo today. Clearing out the house of a loved one, soon after they've left it, is both cleansing and sad at the same time. B was a renowned hoarder and so actually a lot of the stuff is pretty easy to discard and recycle. But the process of separating the wheat from the chaff is essential so that we can all see the important parts of B's material life and ensure that we each find and keep the mementos we want. Had she been a tidy soul and had N not lived abroad, we could perhaps have left these tasks a little longer but she wasn't and he doesn't, so it's a job for now.

My brothers have done a huge amount between them over the last few days along with N's girlfriend and when I arrived to help out today this car port was full of bags of stuff all bound for the tip/recycling points. I eventually cleared even these last bits and I've no doubt there will be more tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. But many hands make light work and, once it's done, we'll all rest a little easier.

I had a quiet morning. Then I did the tip runs, then P and I headed to the outdoor pool... just as it started raining and thundering! As we were there we thought we may as well stay so had a fun swim in the rain and, of course, the pool to ourselves. Having recently joked about who is now the nuttiest one in the family, we decided we were both good candidates as B definitely wouldn't have swum in a storm! Then the sun came out :))

Here is the poem I wrote for my beloved stepmum last night and which my brother may (but may not) say at her funeral:

B, you came into our lives when we needed you most
You fell in love with us and we with you
You completed our family.

Then you gave us the gift of N.

Your stories and laughter had us all in stitches
Your gurning smile ruined many a photo
Your braveness in the face of cancer
And your determination to change your life for the better
Never ceased to amaze us.

B, you really were as mad as a hatter
But you were our mad hatter
And our world is a sadder place without you.

You were the best mum and stepmum we could ever have wished for
And more,
despite the bumps in the road along the way.

Wherever you are,
we want you to know
that we all love you and miss you.
We will never forget you
And you will always live on in our hearts.