Maurice, you’d have told me off today! Every time I put my blue badge out, I remember you & I parking in Tynemouth & you saying I shouldn’t leave my ‘bliddy badge’ out unless it’s needed! I also remember you giving me advice on getting a new car & how pleased you were that I’d got a Toyota.
I remember losing my keys at no.8 & you helping me look for them - and finding them for me! I remember you making my brackets for my hanging baskets: they didn’t fit & that was my fault, but I treasured them anyway, cos you’d made them for me.
I remember you showing me the graveyard & all of us going to Finchale Priory together. I remember Doreen’s pride when you renovated her sitting room, put in the arch & put up wooden cladding. I remember your fascination with clock-making. You inspired my interest in studio photography by setting up a studio in no 8’s bathroom. Like you, I love making with my hands & trying new things & I think of you when I’m crafting.
I remember bringing your briefcase up to Notts when you were in hospital. I visited you twice & you never let me forget how much you appreciated that.
I remember your cheery, “Helloooo Sal’’, whenever I turned up at Redbourn. I remember one day, I turned up & you gave me a big bunch of beautiful daffs. I thanked you & you got all coy!
I remember you singing to yourself as you pottered.
I remember walking to school with you, & your nicknames for all the kids – Paddywack included!
I also remember walking through North Shields with you on New Years Eve, after you’d taken me for a drink with family, & everyone was wishing us Happy New Year.
I remember…and I won’t forget. You were there every weekend, when I came to visit Doreen. You were there whenever I came to stay in no 8. You & I stood together at her grave as you said goodbye: I’ll never forget how utterly broken you were that day. You were so much a part of our family for 40 years. You made her happy, you made her smile. And that’s all that matters in the end.
Sally Ann Tin Can:
07/08/2019
