It can feel so strange to tell someone you have never met the stories about your loved one, but honestly I love hearing each one of them. The stories stick in my mind and memory and I often catch myself smiling as ordinary everyday things remind me of somebody who was so very loved and has passed away.
So here's a few things I've learnt these past few months.....
Always pop on your make-up and face the day;and if you're off on holiday be specific about which Holiday Inn you're staying at and always enjoy puddings - if you can get two, all the better. Polish your drain pipe if you want to, share a joke no matter how bad and sing loud and proud at the top of your voice in the car, if only to embarrass your children. Tell stories, go to the pub, follow your dreams and wear lycra - even into old age.
Fold your trousers over and look after your siblings, get your money's worth - even if it's in Poundland and spoil the grandkids. The love of your life will come back to you, it's worth the wait. Eat Birds cream cakes, especially caramel doughnuts. Attempt cross words and buy whisky to raise a glass at your own funeral ( then drink it all and leave the bottles empty so your children smile just one more time)
Have silly phrases and words that only you and your loved ones know about and if the dog's bed looks comfy -have a nap. Have a few close friends and make lots of memories with them, but remember to avoid cocktails if on a lad's holiday. Have favourite hymns, make meat pie so it becomes a family tradition (even if no one knows why!) Keep on going no matter what and book to have your hair done just because you can. Grow vegetables and keep pets, the more the merrier just to keep the family trying to remember all of their names.
Have famous sayings like 'pool bar pool' , remind all in your world that you deserve a kiss, discover that lemon sherberts are great to get stuck in a carpet and pick songs for your funeral that your family can not help but smile at. Out live your grandparents' ages and have a favourite colour. Travel and make memories, see the world and embrace life - but always wear rubber soled shoes just in case. Have a record collection that you can be proud of, follow a football team - no matter the league they play in. Leave notes in lunch boxes and sing High School Musical song with the grandkids.
Adapt, always trying a new job or career as you never know what you are capable of. Love wildlife and get your hands dirty - it does you no harm. Learn a new language, adopt what you believe to be stray dogs ( then apologise when the paperboy demands his dog back) and be creative build with what you have got - fridge shelves make excellent coffee table tops! Have a can do attitude and show valour, jump onto moving ships because there you may find your soulmate.
In the hard times, look after your kids - no matter how small the gift they will remember. Make homemade chips and make a chip butty and have a nap if it makes you feel better. Tell stories, especially to your younger siblings and protect your family as well. Fight for what is important to you! Don't let age stop you from anything and have a chit chat and get to know your neighbors. Keep fit and hide dinosaurs, celebrate the special moments. Keep believing in love, borrow barges, rent garages to keep a mop bucket in - just to confuse the grandkids and keep dating the one you love.
So here's to you all
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