Rain in the garden

Today (Sunday) it is raining. The ground needs a good soak so rain is good.

Yesterday was first grandchild Williams's first birthday. We went to celebrate at his house in Kew. He loved the attention, and had his first taste of cake, when his mum gave him a piece of his clock cake, decorated to the time of day he was born. It was a beautiful afternoon because he is so responsive to company- not shy, and very ready to chuckle. We played a game throwing and catching balloons and he was screaming in delight. It's often the simple pleasures that are the best. Like many kids at his stage, he was just as excited about the wrapping paper on his present as the duplo blocks inside.

Our little granddaughter Leah came to help celebrate. She is a much gentler little soul,with a cute shy smile. It is such an unexpected pleasure to hold a grandchild. I never suspected that having grandchildren would be so special. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in their lives.

Which brings Mum to mind. This was taken the other day when I called in to visit her in The Terraces where she lives.

We went out for a coffee, and this was taken on the walk back. Mum wanted to be back in time for lunch. She doesn't like the thought of missing a meal! When I arrived she was sitting in one of the lounges with two other ladies. I paused to watch before they saw me and noticed that they were not chatting or reading- just staring blankly ahead. That is so hard to watch as Mum was so vibrant before Alzheimer's- interested in sewing, and house prices, and bargains!

She did enjoy seeing the recent photos of our holiday, but struggled to place who was who. I talked with her about Dad, and her eyes filled with tears. She asked, "Did I look after him well when he was sick?" she said she remembers him in a room, and I think she means the hospital, but it is hard to know exactly what she is thinking.

I have great respect for her at the moment, because she knows her memory is slipping, and she talks about the big blank parts, where she can remember being in her teens, but can't remember the years when we were all growing up. She can remember some recent events, but the immediate past is a blur. She said "I'm scared about the future, but there's nothing I can do to stop this (Alzheimer's) getting worse, so I just have to take one day at a time. Her faith in God gives her comfort. There is a lot to be said for a simple trust in a loving God.