Aged Ps

So here they are, my aged Ps - with Scout their newish, secondhand (rescue) doglet. Here they (we) are sitting on a steam train on the Ffestiniog Railway awaiting departure from Porthmadog. We've been travelling on this train (Train Bach as my Mum's always called it - 'the little train') for 40 years, ever since we first holidayed here as a family and we can't come to this part of Wales without a ride on it. We've had a lovely week altogether and I think (hope) they've enjoyed having their daughter foisted on them.

My mum's been a bit poorly lately and her illnesses can, how shall I say, linger for a long time. But this week we've been walking, she's eaten well (I've cooked all week and done my best to tickle her taste buds), we've talked about her family and revisited old haunts as well as visiting other familiar places with a new eye and different approach which she's keen to continue. Overall there's renewed lightness in the air.

My dad too has had his triumphs - he's remembering to put his seat belt on before setting off and cursing the world for inventing the bloody things, sometimes he remembers to drive like a holidaymaker not a bat out of hell and while his hearing aids aren't working properly (they rarely do because he doesn't look after them), he is no longer scowling at most requests for information or action. Instead he's turning his default grimace into a twisted exaggerated smile that is a joy to behold.

Scout helps with all this by wagging his tail endlessly and launching himself, particularly at my Dad, for love-upon-thrust cuddles and loves that cannot be ignored. In the evening he wedges himself next to either one of them (whichever seems the better bet) for tummy tickles and a doze. His simple love and enthusiasm for life cannot be ignored.

Best of all they are bickering for England (and Wales) which is a sure sign that all is well. It is the cement that has glued their 52 year marriage together; as my Mum says they have fought their way through to be where they are today. And from where I'm standing they like a good fight :-)