Monday 27 August 2012

Pause for thought.... or a few thoughts really!


I'm in a reflective mood.


Taken by my late aunt on a trip to New Zealand

Please feel free to stop reading this now if sentimental, personal stuff isn't your thing. I shan't be offended - just as I hope any of you continuing to read this won't be offended by my sudden need to write this down and get it off my chest! Maybe my kids will actually stumble across it one day and take something away from it.

Both of my wonderful daughters have received excellent results in their respective exams this summer. The eldest will now start university next month and the youngest will begin her 'A' levels.

Girls;
You have both worked hard and deserve your achievments so far. You probably won't read this for years (your usual jibe going something like, "Oh Mum's blogging again, lol,") but when you do, know how proud Dad and I are of you. Keep it up and you will go far.  Reach for the stars and follow your dreams. I can't promise they will all come true or that life will always be a bed of roses but as you may have heard me say before, 'the only failure in life is a failure to try.' Look at me, as I write this I'm still chasing my dream of publication and the opportunity to share my stories with the world!

It's a daunting yet exciting stage of life isn't it? I've watched them grow and develop from little girls, reliant on us for everything into wonderful independent young ladies ready and able to make their own decisions and follow their chosen paths. The scary thing is it seems to have happened in the blink of an eye! So my message here, for those of you with young children, or expecting babies soon, is this; enjoy every minute, takes loads of photos. Most importantly, make time to do stuff together and build memories that will last a lifetime. It's strange what they remember years later and it doesn't have to be something that costs a fortune. Our kids laugh about camping trips we had ten miles away from where we live and our own sports days we held in the back garden!

31 years ago today my own father died. Struck down with a heart attack at a young age. He didn't even get to see his own children finish school, let alone meet his grandchildren or share in any of their success. Barely a day goes by when I don't feel regret for all the memories we have been denied. Perhaps it's one of the reasons I believe it so important to share as much with our children and families as we can. Time is precious.

The photo above was taken by a dear aunt of mine (Dad's sister), who sadly passed away last year. She loved to travel and experience new things. Spending many happy trips with her husband, and later, when she was widowed, she would often travel alone. This photo she took in 1994 in New Zealand, whilst visitng family as part of a round the world ticket. A strong, independent lady whom I admired very much. I think it is a beautiful photo and echoes my mood perfectly.

Anyway, enough for now, I just wanted to pay tribute to a few special people.

30 comments:

  1. I hope your daughters read this post very soon.

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  2. What a lovely post and I wish I had the words to do justice in my comment. I hope your daughters see this post and congratulations to them on their results.

    I lost my Dad when I was first in uni, and often think about what we missed out on. Time is indeed precious.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words. Time is very precious.

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  3. This is beautiful! Life is so short

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    1. Thanks, Heather. Starting this blog was probably one of the best decisions I have made, there are so many lovely, supportive people out there.

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  4. Great to meet you at Alex's today. I'm also in the Fight Club. Now, I'm following you. :) Great picture. I could reflect looking at that, too.

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    1. Hi Ciara, thanks for stopping by and pleased to meet you too.

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  5. I don't know what happened to my previous comment, but I think blogger ate it or something.

    Hmm. I don't remember what I wrote earlier, but I do remember I said I hope your daughters read this post soon and give you a hug:)

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    1. Oh I've had that happen too with comments! Weird isn't it it? Thank you for commenting I really appreciate every one.

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  6. What a lovely post and a beautiful photo too.

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  7. What lovely sentiments and a gorgeous photo. New Zealand is on my bucket list.

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    1. New Zealand does look like a gorgeous place to visit. Thank you for stopping by today.

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  8. Hey Suzanne,

    I think, no I *know* your girls will treasure this post as it so comes from your heart.

    We have three boys (five and under) so I am always trying to take their pictures and it's one of the reasons why I post my monthly parenting series...I want to be able to remember the little things as my little things grow up to be strong men:)

    Thanks for sharing :)

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  9. Aww thanks, Mark. I read the *letter* you posted for one of your boys a while back and thought what a lovely idea and record to have for the future. But they do grow up so quick don't they? 3 under 5'S your house must be hectic, enjoy!

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  10. What a beautiful post...and a truly gorgeous photo! (New follower here by the way *waves*)

    Thanks for sharing this with us-it has started my day off beautifully. It's always good to reflect and be aware of how quickly the time passes. Think I'll give my toddler an extra squeeze or two when I get home tonight. ;)

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    1. Hi, Kristi, thanks for dropping by and the follow always good to welcome someone new. I'm pleased it started your day well and I'm sure your little one will love an extra hug or two!

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  11. That's a gorgeous photo. That's a special story behind the photo too.

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    1. Thanks for dropping in today, Lynda and pleased you liked the photo.

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  12. What a wonderful tribute, and how proud you must be of your girls!

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  13. This was such a sweet, beautiful post! Your daughters sound amazing.

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    1. Talli, Annalisa and Peggy - Thank you for commenting, I am indeed very proud of them!

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  14. I love your tribute. And many congratulations on your daughters doing a wonderful job on their exams! They can be so daunting.

    Following you now, too. I will definitely like it here. :)

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    1. Hi, thanks for stopping by and following, always good to meet new people.

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  15. What a great tribute to your family, especially your daughters. I'm certain they will mature into wonderful women. They have a great mother :)

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  16. Congratulations to your daughters on their exam results. I'm sure they're proud of you, too, but far too cool to admit it!

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