Hello All

Today at the 11th hour we will bow our heads in silent remembrance. I remember sons on opposing sides. My mother’s family my father’s. All those who lost their lives to fight for their countries. The pattern of my day echoed this duality.

My poppy finished.

I walked into town to watch the Remembrance Sunday parade which culminates at Kendal’s War Memorial with a mark of appreciation for the British forces past and present. As my good friends know anything to do with old soldiers makes me cry and there was quite a bit of sniffling on my part as I watched the musicians of the sea cadets drumming through the main street to herald a small corp of young soldiers and the veterans behind them.

It is very moving. The more so as the moment is shared by a large gathering. Children on the shoulders of fathers or ushered to the front of the crowd by mothers. Grandparents whispering to small ears what the ceremony marks.

As I walked home I caught sight of a little memorial created by the toddlers of the nearby nursery,

Despite its sad origin I can’t help but find it a hopeful sight.

Back home it is time to acknowledge my other self as I listen to the radio coverage of the commemorations taking place in Germany today. It is 25 years since the Berlin Wall came down. I remember that period of history vividly as it occurred shortly before the birth of No 1 son and being a superstitious soul I took it as a good omen.

Wars tear families apart in my case it brought mine together. Through the Second World War my father came to this country and met my mother. Even in the darkest of hours thankfully love survives.

Until next we meet. Moke xx

PS For those that would like to know the pattern for the poppy came from one of my old favourites:

Moke xx