Leaves of the Soul

Dearest Peter,

As I stand beside your grave, I think of the many times you and Dad chatted, and walked around the park. These leaves just reminding me of your love for nature and in particular your greenhouse full of wee plants and lots of tomatoes. Your offer of using your greenhouse to grow on plants for a project. The path thru your garden from the foxes and badgers.

The younger me remembers you as the lollipop man, how many people did you show over the road safely over the years? But as life went on you became a family friend, and to me someone to share a lunch and life's woes.

I remember always that you, the caring person that you always were, made sure I got soup and a roll from the Church when I wasn't well. I remember these chats we had in the Church and Village Cafes about life, plants and whats going on locally.

As I walk around Corstorphine Hill Cemetery I see the leaves swirl around in the winds, the squirrels looking for nuts, the magpies and crows in the trees, the pigeons sheltered up and the wee birds munching on the berries. You are still surrounded by your love of nature.

Despite the winds, your grave was covered in varying tree leaves of autumnal colours, that in itself, gave me smile. The flowers are well passed but this wee flower is holding on.

Thank you Peter, now at peace with your Norah.

RIP Peter the Lollipop Man and dear family friend and caring friend to me.