In pursuit of organising the archives, I came across this citation giving the reasons for my father's award, at the age of 21, of the George Medal - a highly prestigious thing. He was presented with it at Buckingham Palace by George V1. Honestly, we later generations have had it so easy. So easy. I don't remember seeing this piece of paper before. I was aware that he'd defused maybe one particularly interesting bomb to win the medal. But this - well... . He was a brilliant and multi-talented man and could be great fun, but he could also be very difficult from time to time and I wish now that I'd made more allowances in my judgement of him on those occasions.
In my infinitely less worthwhile life, I picked the Edinburgh Two up from school, admiring the view of the hill from their playground.
We walked in Saughton Park, admiring the late summer flowers.
And we went up to Son's to celebrate his 37th birthday (my baby!) with the Edinburgh Two and their parents. We had a lovely day, walking up the hill,
ploutering in the burn (the children, not me)
and enjoying the sunshine.
Medium and Biggest Granddaughter enjoyed crafting together (aww),
while Son allowed Big Grandson to mow his lawn and paid him £2 for his efforts. Big G was delighted!
Ploutering in the burn--oh, how I love your language! Those flower colors were gorgeous together. I had never heard of defanging a bomb and your dad becomes more and more impressive the more I learn about him. Such brilliant people (and ones that have been through such stressful experiences) have perhaps earned the right to be difficult at times? It looks like a fun time with family. Happy Birthday, 37 year old (baby) Son!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness - he had nerves of steel! Our only turned 41 a couple of months ago - where has the time gone? He's turned into a fine man, great husband and absolutely wonderful father, I'm so proud of him (and relieved!!) Tomorrow our part of New Zealand goes down to Level 3, which means still stay at home, no schools open (except for those very few children whose parents are Essential workers and have no choice) BUT we are allowed to 'expand our bubble' - so the children come to us for most of the day, while their parents work from home - with no distractions!! I've spent the last two days preparing craft activities, and finding worksheets I think they might enjoy - colouring in (Miss 3y6m) and figuring out (Mr 6y4). Keeping them busy is the key to a happy day. It will be wonderful to see them again.
ReplyDeleteWell done your father!
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Oh, interesting!
DeleteYOUR LIFE IS VERY WORTHWHILE! Love you, xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, my sweet. I think you might be a bit biased!
DeleteAh, no, she's very accurate! It is VERY worthwhile and I love reading about it. As you said, we've had is so easy by comparison. I have no doubt, if faced with similar world circumstances, that you would have done something equally brave. (Maybe not bomb diffusing, but there are many other brave acts of heroism out there!) XO
DeleteI agree with B! Your life is very worthwhile and we couldn't do without you. Signed, your daughters. xxxx
ReplyDeleteThank you too! xx
DeleteI think your father must have been an amazing man to do all that at just 21 years old. Your daughters are very sweet too.
ReplyDeleteHello Pam, just popping up from under my stone because I was thinking about you today. I found a quote, which, reading your last paragraph, is coincidentally, quite apt.
ReplyDeleteIn your self assessment today, you don't mention the importance of the words you write, and the quote redresses this. It's by Natalie Goldberg.
"We are important and our lives are important, magnificent really, and their details are worthy to be recorded. This is how writers must think, this is how we must sit down with pen in hand. We were here; we are human beings; this is how we lived. Let it be known, the earth passed before us. Our details are important. Otherwise, if they are not, we can drop a bomb and it doesn't matter ... Recording the details of our lives is a stance against bombs with their mass ability to kill, against too much speed and efficiency. A writer must say yes to life, to all of life: the water glasses, the Kemp's half-and-half, the ketchup on the counter ... to love the details, and step forward with a yes on our lips so there can be no more noes in the world, noes that invalidate life and stop these details from continuing."
As long as you keep writing, I shall keep reading :)
Clarissa
Thanks so much, Clarissa!
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