Before I start my next task, either proofreading or, dread the thought, cleaning the car, here`s the next instalment. Chris.
One of mum's best friends from childhood was, without a doubt, Lydia, a confident who in later life became Aunty Lyds to all of us. Their friendship through their teenage years and going to Bible Class included Jack and Henry who they later married. The four of them kept up their friendship all their lives and were indeed fortunate to celebrate each other`s Diamond Wedding. In all that must represent at least 280 years of friendship between them. Now Aunty Lyds could best be described as talkative' but not always 'attentive'. On one occasion sitting at home quietly knitting she began to feel a little chilled, so putting her knitting aside went outside to get a shovelful of coal. Not long after she looked up from her knitting and much to her surprise found that the fire had gone out. She decided that before remaking the fire and to warm herself up a cup of tea was the order of the day so went to the kitchen to mash. Further surprise awaited, for in the kitchen sink was not a collection of cups and saucers as one might expect but 'a shovelful of coal'.
Mum lives with my sister Dorothy and son-in-law Les in a beautiful 11th century priory, adjacent to Ecclesfield Church and overlooking the churchyard. When they first moved there several of mum's friends expressed concern about her walking through the cemetery." Doesn't it worry you going past all these gravestones Lily?" "No. As long as l don't see my name on one of the headstones, I shall be alright". (Lily aged 87) She also told the Doctor, on an occasion when he had had to visit her rather than her go to him, who had remarked what a lovely view there was from the window. "Aye, it might be lovely, but it's not so good when you're convalescing, and you have a ringside seat at funerals". A few years ago, my daughter Lyndsay had need to return to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital so took advantage of having Granny live not far away, in Ecclesfield for her lodgings. The staircase in mum's house is very wide but none the less lengthy. Lyndsay was going up the stairs with her Granny when she stopped a few steps short of the landing, obviously short of breath. "Are you alright Granny?" "Yes" came the reply" I’m a bit out of breath coming up all these stairs, but don't worry, I'll catch it again on the way down'". Mum has always had a ready reply for any occasion.
When Granny Came To Stay With Us...
