Still neighbours

Need more help?

Get feedback on your writing.
Get assistance with finding literary agents.
Get help writing for children.
Sign up for one of our online creative writing courses
Get free advice on How to Write a Book.
Find out How To Get Published.
Explore the best book on Getting Published.
Don't miss our Festival of Writing.
If you're still stuck, then contact us.

The Writers' Workshop is run by writers for writers. We're here to help.

Published by: Mcallan on 28th Nov 2011 | View all blogs by Mcallan

Hi folks....now this isn't meant to be a sad blog, and it isn't really, just saddish.

My much loved mother in law passed away last Wednesday afternoon. It was a peacful end, and my wife and brother were with her as she slept away; eighty eight was a decent innings I guess.

We visited the cemetry on Thursday to leave flowers on the grave of my father in law, and Jenny will be laid next to him. I like cemetries and this one is set away from the village surrounded by farmland with a distant view of the sea.

I had a wander amongst the headstones, some old and some not so. Many of the names were very familar; old village stalwarts who have held up the bar in the local pubs whilst regailing tourists with outlandish tales of village folklore. It was good to see them, and re-assuring too. The grave alongside belongs to their neighbours who lived next door to them for over 40 years, and it's nice that they are all together again, wherever they may be.

It's not such a bad place to end up.
Mac x

Comments

19 Comments

by Gels 5 months ago

Sorry to hear that. It's always sad when someone passes away, it doesn't matter how good their innings have been.

That's actually very lovely how they were neighbours before and now they're all together again - in a beautiful setting, and in a place full of stories and history. Not a bad place to rest at all.
by Noodledoodle 5 months ago

Bittersweet Mac, and sorry for your family's loss. Thanks for sharing :-)
by CJ 5 months ago

Sorry for your loss, Macdaddy... but it is nice to hear a tale of a family who gets on and can visit such places with peace and love. Whilst Gels is right - it always sad when someone passes - it is also lovely that good friends are back together again. Definitely not a bad place to end up xx
by Bren 5 months ago

Sorry for your loss Mac. And sympathy to your wife who will miss her mum no matter how good her innings were. My mum is 90 in Jan an she has forbidden us to say that. I keep telling her it is better to lose someone after a full life - more natural and it helps the grieving maybe.
by John Taylor 5 months ago

Thank you, Mac. Not such a bad place. When I visit my parents' grave in Wiltshire, beside a village church and with a rookery in the background, everything feels right. The noise from the rookery strangely makes it an even more peaceful place. Mum and Dad were together for 57 years, and they're still together.
by Mcallan 5 months ago

Thanks everyone....what a lovely place this is too..:) x
by Tony 5 months ago

Thinking of you and your family, Mac, as you start to come to terms with your loss. It takes a little time and you'll always miss her, but it gets easier. It was this very day, last year, that my own Mum passed on. I share your sorrows.
by Caducean Whisks 5 months ago

A poignant piece, Mac. I too like cemeteries. I visit my parents three times a year and find it gentle and soothing. I also like seeing others tending graves, young and old, and it makes me feel part of a greater humanity. We don't forget.
My condolences to you and your family.
Also, Tony - a year already? Hugs to you as well.
About 20 minutes ago, I heard that a friend of mine has died. It was expected, but has still left me feeling bereft.
by AlanP 5 months ago

As you imply Mac, it isn't a tragedy when someone dies after a long and fulfilled life and with people who have loved them close by. Rather it's a path that we can all hope we may tread, provided it isn't just yet as they say. Albeit a sad time, it will heal the faster for it.
by Mcallan 5 months ago

Thanks folks. Is it really a year Tony...goodness me.
Condolences to you too Caduceon.
by Wrathnar the Unreasonable 5 months ago

I like cemeteries too, but probly for different reasons.

It's a sweet thought, the old folks still being neighbours.
by Damien 5 months ago

If they were anything like me and my neighbours, I wouldn't be surprised if they do a knock and run on each others coffins every night!
by Gerilyn 5 months ago

Sending you virtual hugs. xxx
by zoolane 5 months ago

It sad she died but nice that she at peace with hre husband and friends.
by Skylark 5 months ago

Since I was a child, I've always liked wandering through graveyards, reading the names and wondering about the people who used to be. I like the idea of old friends and neighbours remaining so. And it does seem from your description like a lovely place to finish. Hugs to you, and to Tony and Whisks.
by MarkR 5 months ago

Sorry, Mac, to hear of your loss. I think there are few consolations in the immediacy of grief, but many will come to mind as the weeks pass and you remember happy times.

I like the sense of community in the graveyard, just as it should be.

Take care.
by SecretSpi 5 months ago

Aw...thinking of you. Of course it's sad, it couldn't not be. The cemetery sounds very peaceful, as you say, if you have to end up somewhere...
by Spangles 5 months ago

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's death, Mac. But the cemetery and the setting sound just right - a nice rounding off of her life.
by Autumn 5 months ago

Aw sorry to hear about this Mac; have been away from the cloud for most of November and am still catching up, but have to say what a lovely blog this is - despite the sadness - thanks for sharing. I love the fact they are together again too.
xx