200 word challenge

I am not being lazy.  I have not given you a 200 word challenge for quite a while and whilst it is a pretty short posting instead of my long ramblings it does require more effort.  You have to read, do a "word count", re-read, take out all the unnecessary words, shorten the sentences, remove the hyperbole and still try to make sense.  This process gets repeated many times.  I will give it a go:-


12 long days.  Many tears, stories, smiles, more tears.  Each child grieving in his own way.  A long trip to Kimberley to be with Matthew.  The first time we have been alone together since who knows when?  Sitting reading each other the reams of messages that kept beeping on their phones.  Such amazing friends.  Times of hysterical laughter when laughter was perhaps not appropriate.  Times of questioning.  Deep and soul searching questions which I had to answer.  Watching them glue together. Sad goodbyes and the long road home. Boys taking control, organising the venue, photographs and the service.  Reunions.  All of which cumulated in a memorial yesterday to their dad.  Through the sadness of the event I was blown away by the support received by us all. The love and warmth in the hugs and the number of people that were there to share in the grief and pay their respects.  A sad time but I could not help but feel joy in my heart for all we have in our lives to be thankful for. A heart that was ready to burst with pride in the men my boys have suddenly become. 

Their dad is proud.

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