Friday 7 April 2017

Saturday

The local community gave the farmer a wonderful send-off in our local village church on Wednesday.   The church was full to capacity and the congregation gave £550 in David's memory to be shared between the church funds and our local hospital MRI Scanner appeal.

Now it is time to pick up the pieces - I owe it to his memory to move on as far as I can.   At the moment my niece is staying with me, but she returns home on Sunday.   Already good friends are rallying round - I have been invited out to lunch on both Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday (my son is away over Easter) and this afternoon Tess has returned home after spending three weeks with my dear friend G.   

I am not at all sure how Tess views coming home - she has had the 'Life of Riley' for the last three weeks - lots of long walks, lots of cuddles on the sofa in the evenings.  At present she is wandering around looking a little bit lost.   But she will be great company for me once she gets back to normal.   In fact both of us have now got a big learning curve.

I shall try to post every day from now on so that I get some sort of pattern back into my life.   Thank you to everyone for the tremendous support you have given me.

64 comments:

Devon said...

I imagine you and Tess will be finding your 'new normal' over the coming days. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

donna baker said...

So nice to hear from you Pat.

Gail, northern California said...

It takes time, and many tears trying to carve out a new way of living. I'm working on my fourth year without him.

Penhill said...

Lovely to hear from you.

Cheryl West said...

I think of you so often, it is lovely to read your post again. It is a great tribute to the farmer that his funeral was so well attended
You will stay in my thoughts as you and Tess pick up your routine again.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Having your Tess will help you through this.

Wilma said...

I am looking forward to your blog posts. Day by day for you and Tess, eh? Take care.

Anonymous said...

Still thinking of you, and dear Tess too. One day at a time, eh? x

John Going Gently said...

You have a bulldog spirit. Thats why you are much, much loved and respected.
You have my thoughts and my best wishes
As always

Theresa Y said...

Prayers going up!

Rachel Phillips said...

Looking forward to your posts again and more news from the Dales. We have missed you.

Librarian said...

Having Tess around will be very good when everybody else will be back home, back in their own lives. So good of your friends to make sure you are not alone all the time over Easter! And so good to know The Farmer was such a well-liked member of the community, to have such a send-off.
You are very brave, Pat; I had to open a new chapter in my life when my husband died, too, but I was about half your age. You have my utmost respect and admiration.

Terra said...

How lovely that money in The Farmer's honor will be put to such good uses. Going on is both difficult and important. C.S. Lewis wrote that grief is a bit like having a concussion or being a little drunk; I agree and find it is hard to think clearly sometimes. My widowed friend told me "don't worry if you put the ice cream in the dishwasher, you are not going crazy." I hope that image makes you smile.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Honouring the farmer's memory, what a lovely thought.
Tess will bring you comfort and companionship, time will heal your heart.
My thoughts are with you, on this journey.
Hugs,
~Jo

Sue said...

Good to see you back here Pat.

Bovey Belle said...

You will be relieved that David's funeral is past and so well-attended and that the church and the MRI scanner fund both benefitted so well from the donations made. He was obviously hugely liked and respected in your community. That last is an important word - in the countryside there IS a great sense of community, and I know folk will be looking out for you in the weeks, months and years to come. I am sure Tess is a little bewildered after her "holiday" but I know she will bring you great comfort.

As others have said, a day at a time. (((HUGS))) Jennie xx

Doc said...

Such a relief to see you back, think of you every day when I read posts. Tess will be a joy to you.

crafty cat corner said...

So pleased to see you have posted, I'm sure that just a small post everyday will unburden your thoughts and I just know that the wonderful bloggers around us will be wishing you strength and love.
Hugs
Briony
x

Camille said...

Thank you Weave. Looking forward to reading your posts again. Hugs to you and Tess. X

SandyExpat said...

the Farmer was certainly respected in your community and what a wonderful memorial. Thinking of you and little Tess as you begin your new routine and look forward to your blog.

Sandy

Heather said...

So good to hear from you again - your positive attitude does you credit. I am very pleased you have so many good friends, both real and virtual. Love and best wishes to you and Tess.

libby said...

Wishing you all that you wish for yourself now with Tess.

Aril said...

Wishing you well.
Arilx

Sue in Suffolk said...

Still thinking about you as the days pass. Take things steady. Love and hugs from Suffolk

Jules said...

It is good to hear from you. It sounds like you have a good network of support around you. Sending love and strength as you take one day at a time and discover your new pattern. X

littlemancat said...

Adding my best wishes for you and little Tess as well. I can well imagine how puzzled she is just now. Take care, go slow, and take comfort in the continued well wishes of your neighbors, real and on-line.
Mary

Elizabeth said...

Sending warmest wishes.
Glad Tess is back - though I imagine both of you will struggle for some time.
How lovely that David will be remembered though his friends’ donations.
Still beastly cold here.
Definitely looking forward to your future posts.
x

Mac n' Janet said...

Warmest thoughts and prayers to bring you peace and strength. I admire your commitment to finding a new normal.

Rosie said...

Just thinking of you. Tess must be a great comfort. Your posts are always interesting and insightful. My heart goes out to you and it is great that in this quiet way we can just pop in and say hello and let you know that we are with you rain or shine.

Iris said...

Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. I am looking forward to your future blog posts. No matter what happens, time does move on and provides us with new experiences and thoughts. I think it's wonderful that you can share your experiences and thoughts with us through blogland. All the best to you!

justjill said...

You can do it. Get through. xxx

Virginia said...

Dear. pat, I'm glad the community honoured the Farmer so fittingly. You'll be 'wobbly' for a fair while, and it sounds to me like Tess is grieving too, so I do hope there's sunshine ahead. Dear little Tess just thought she was having a holiday so her adjustment will take a few days. M
Ah the sun shine gently today.

dixie heath said...

It was so nice of you to let us know how you are doing. Wonderful that the community thought so much of your farmer to honor him so. I am sure that helped you a lot. It will be strange for awhile but you and your little Tess will make it through. You have a wonderful outlook on things and you seem to be a strong person. It is not easy to start a new journey in your life but your family and friends both in person and online are here for you. Take one day at a time and do let us know how you are getting on. I look forward to your blogs and love to hear about your life and friends in the Dales. Loving thoughts for you and Tess, from your Ohio USA friend.

Winters End Rambler said...

Slowly wins the race...sending hugs. x

EM Griffith said...

Thoughts and prayers are with you and Tess. So glad to hear The Farmer had a nice service (as it would be, of course); it's also good to know your community is offering companionship. Step by step. Rest when needs must.

Tom Stephenson said...

I am glad it went well on Wednesday, Weave. You will never get over it, but you may get a little more used to it. You and Tess will be ok. X.

Barbara said...

I am so very glad to see a post from you again, Pat!
I will look forward to your continued posts.
You have been in my thoughts and prayers often over the past days and weeks. And, I am truly saddened by the loss of your farmer.
How wonderful that the community came together to show how much the farmer meant to them.
I'm glad that Tess has returned home to you and hope that the two of you will find some comfort in one another.
Much love and many prayers from here.

angryparsnip said...

Nice to see a post from you.
I am sure you and Tess will pick up the pieces and be just fine.

cheers, parsnip

Beverley said...

Keep busy ish, eat well, sleep when you can and get your wonderful fresh air in the country. Hugs and blessings. x

Frances said...

Dear Pat, I am sure that you and Tess are very glad to be sharing a space that even though you both are there still seems to have some emptiness.

You are so kind to those of us who love far away and yet care so much for ypu and yours. Whenever you do wish to send us another post, it will be most appreciated. Meanwhile, I do hope that you are feeling the love that I and others are sending to you. xo

gz said...

Good to read your post.
Walking together will benefit you and Tess. Moving meditation in nature.

krishna said...

it is a great news that you are doing well.. a big tight hug.. XOXO..

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Thank you for taking the time to let us know how things are going. That is a nice decision made about what to do with money raised. I did wonder what was happening with Tess and if she had difficulty with the Farmer being gone. You two will be welcome company for each other. Take care, -Jenn

Mary said...

Lovely hearing that your community came together in honor of the dear Farmer who will be so missed. You are being so brave Pat and it is kind of you to take the time to update us. Tess is certainly going to miss her walks with David, hopefully you have friends who can continue to take her out on days when you may not be able due to weather etc. Stay active though my dear, and I think you will as that is the type of woman you are - John G. hit it on the head of course - if only we all had him nearby to help us on the bad days!!!!

Love and hugs - Mary

wenda j said...

You are in my thoughts. I hope you are doing well. I wonder if you wrote some poetry if it might help during these hard times.

Unknown said...

Ms. Weaver, Good to hear from you. Prayers and love.

1st Man said...

Like so many others here, keeping you in our thoughts and sending love!

Cro Magnon said...

It's not going to be easy, but I'm sure you'll cope. Are there animals still on the farm?

Derek Faulkner said...

Welcome back Pat, the only way now is forward and as you're a normally busy person I'm sure you will fill your days. Nice to see that Tess is back home as well.

Frances said...

It will be lovely to have you back every day. Love that little dog, and let her love you too.( I didnt realise she had been away). Pleased to hear that your friends are looking after you so well. XX

Rozzie said...

So good to hear that your Farmer was given such a wonderful send off.
Warm {{{hugs}}} to you, Weave.

Penny said...

So glad he was sent on his way so well. As you say, now to get back to the way life will be from now on. Hugs, Penny

thelma said...

As someone says it will be lovely to have you back every day, and that Tess is now with you, she will probably be a little lost for awhile. X

Linda Metcalf said...

Onwards and upwards as they say..even tho it will be difficult for some time to come. Tess will be your companion and comfort. You will adjust albeit with a piece of your heart missing. Much love to you. Will you have help with the farm animals?

Minigranny said...

So glad to hear that your Farmer's send off went so well. Glad also that all your friends and family are there for you. Take care x

Claudia said...

How lovely to know that the whole community was there to show their love and respect for the Farmer.I wish the best for you, Pat. I am looking forward to reading your posts.They bring a lot of light to everyday life.

the veg artist said...

From what you've written in the past, I would have expected a packed church. He will be much missed by many people, I'm sure. And it will be lovely to see you back here regularly. Isn't it strange that blog readers and writers become threads in each others' lives, with those threads stretching right around the world. Take care. You are in the thoughts of many.

mrsnesbitt said...

Dear Pat - I have been away from blogging for some time - reading this was a shock and I will catch up and read. So sorry - I am not far away so will always be able to meet upxxxHUGS xxxxx

Fairtrader said...

Dear friend, don't pick up all the pieces at once!! Take on at the time, drop it again and go back. I am in a way happy to hear that it was a warm and bright goodbye in the service this wednesday and so great that people could contribute to such a good cause. When people are in morning and lack words, it's good to have something practical and solid to do.
Your friends are solid and sincere, take on their offer for Easter if you feel up to it. There is new life for you, the family, for Tess and bit by bit you will find it. I wish you all the best, Pat!!!

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

I've been at a loss for words; don't want to sound trite but I was very sorry to hear of the farmer's passing. Glad it was quick for him and now you are being brave and picking up the pieces of a new phase of life. I enjoy your posts very much so look forward to hearing about your day to day from here on in.

Alphie Soup said...

It is a wonderful to live in a supportive community. You and Tess will no doubt fall into a new daily routine, even if it takes a while.

Alphie

Maria said...

I am happy you are blogging again, Weaver. Tess will be of great comfort. Time heals but memories remain. A hug.
Greetings Maria x

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

I am selfishly glad that you are going to continue blogging, dear Weaver of Grass. And touched by reading how supportive your community is. David, and also you, are so well respected and cared for. May you and Tess find a good life. It is ten years since my husband died, and life goes on. But you know that. Be well, as well as you can be, as you work through your grief.

Gabrielle Howard Gengler said...

You've been in my thoughts Weave! Carrying on, I'm glad you have Tess to adjust. Hugs