A lasting memory.
By meadowland
19 comments
This week our project was to refurbish my close friend Margaret’s wooden seat.
On moving in 20+ years ago we were so lucky to meet her living next door.We actually bought our house from her.
The friendship developed slowly over time with shared interests, gardening being one of them of course.
Sadly over the years she developed Alzhiemers and her need for support developed which we were very pleased to give.It was distressing at times to see a familiar friend become so very unfamiliar….but that’s the nature of the illness.
My experience of supporting Margaret over the years did propel me into working part-time for the local Alzhiemers society.
As the years passed Margaret sadly died,a great void in our lives developed.
She had often said in her lifetime how much she wanted to give us her garden seat which was presented to her on retirement. Infact there is a small brass plate depicting that.Each day we do use it and sit for a ’few moments ’ for our coffee.
It has taken 3 days to complete with the help of OH.Firstly sanding then an undercoat and finally the Ronseal topcoat.Certainly looks very cheerful now.I’m sure she would have approved.
….and now we have the choice of seating areas if there’s a difference of opinion ..ha ha !
5 Jul, 2023
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Comments
I love the colour of your bench, it looks lovely and what lovely memories you will have sitting on it about your friend, and what a nice gift to be left. I am sure she is looking down and very much approves .
5 Jul, 2023
You’re right Julia, age doesn’t matter a bit. I have a lovely friend 16 years older than me, and several good friends who are 10 years younger. You have chosen a pretty colour for your special gifted bench …
5 Jul, 2023
I think as you get older age gaps either way matter less. It helps us to accept and discuss viewpoints different from our own (and mind expansion is never a bad thing, even if we disagree on issues!)
6 Jul, 2023
What a lovely story of friendship.
6 Jul, 2023
That's so true. My good friend of many years died last year - she was 10 years older than me. Good friends are rare and to be treasured.
6 Jul, 2023
Love the colour you’ve chosen. A bench is a great thing to be given & to remember a good friend by.I’ve never found that differences in age are of importance with the friends we make. You never think about age really when you get along well with someone.
6 Jul, 2023
I've just spotted your lovely, thought provoking blog, Julia. It must've been quite emotional and distressing to have seen Margaret going through this horrid illness. You were both obviously very fond of her, supporting her through this time.
It's very special a friendship like this, I'm pleased you have her lovely bench seat to remember her by. It's looking perfect in place and definitely a beautiful colour too. I'm sure she'd be more than happy with your makeover.
8 Jul, 2023
I'm so sorry you lost your dear friend and neighbour Julia. You both sound to have been the best of friends, you helped so much when she needed you most. It is a lovely seat and I'm sure she would be pleased with it's revamp and the cheerful colour you've chosen and that you're using it every day in memory of her.
8 Jul, 2023
What an absolute cheek! I hate it when people use your name face to face, when you haven't met. Pleased you gave him his marching orders..:)
8 Jul, 2023
Such a lovely blog and as others have said age difference either way matters not.
Her bench is a beautiful tribute to her enjoy thoughtful moments sitting on it and thinking about her .
9 Jul, 2023
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What a poignant story! I'm glad you had the chance to meet such a good friend and have an attractive reminder of her. Such friendships are like gold dust. The refurbished seat looks inviting.
5 Jul, 2023