Two recent phone calls, one at 6.20 this morning. As we don’t have a phone beside the bed, I struggled out from beneath the duvet, pulled on a shirt and got to the phone just as it stopped ringing.
I dialled 1571, heart thumping. Who’d died? Or was ill? Had something happened to Mum, or my brothers, my nephews or nieces? Who was ringing at this time of the morning?
It turned out to be someone sounding not entirely sober, saying that he wasn’t able to get to work this morning because of the weather.
I was so relieved that nothing untoward had happened that I fed the animals and snuggled back into bed for another half hour’s warmth. Hey ho. Happy Christmas and all that.
The other phone call was from elderly James last night, wanting to meet before Christmas. As we’re completely disorganised here, Saturday is set aside for shopping so that’s out, which leaves Sunday, when my mother is due to arrive. Then a thought struck me.
‘Are you going to your daughter for Christmas?’
‘Er – no.’ He sounded embarrassed by this. ‘I’m going to tiggle.’ Sigh. ‘You know. John – Tiggle.’ He giggled. ‘Can you translate that into English for me?’
I couldn’t, being momentarily defeated, and stunned that daughter isn’t having her own father for Christmas Day. I said I’d ring him back when I’d spoken to Himself who was out.
Himself was, like me, incensed that James wasn’t going to be with his daughter for Christmas Day so I rang back, said would he like to come here.
‘I’m not sure,’ he said. ‘I think I’m going to John. You know – no – what’s his name? Who are you?’
Having sorted out who I was, he calmed down and said he wasn’t sure what his daughter was expecting him to do. So he’s going to ring us when he knows.
If he’s not spending the time with her, I’m thinking of inviting his Canadian friend from the residential home. The one who's lost his sight. He's got a great sense of humour and is wonderful company. So that's me, Himself, my Mum, James and his mate. Hell, why not invite the whole home? We could have a party.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
18 comments:
you're a good friend to James FP. How awful that his own daughter hasn't asked him over for Christmas day. It's very sad, to say the least.
It was a much better morning for photography today,the lights still good now. A pity I have to spend the day in the office!!
RT
Ah well, you're the one with the true Christmas spirit - I'm sure you'll all have a wonderful time together.
On the Novel Race - I've signed up for first draft novel 2 but I've only the haziest idea of what I'm going to write and still trying to finish rewrite!!! Glad to see you there.
RT - it is sad, isn't it? HOpe she will invite him over though - it would mean a lot to him. shame you can;t nip out with your camera - it's lovely now!
He's lucky to have you fp. You're a good friend:-)
x
ps did you work out 'Tiggle?'
Chris - enjoy your Christmas too now you've got the driving over - or have you?! Good luck with novel 2 and rewrite of 1!!
lane - and good luck with your novel, also. No I didnt work out Tiggle but i rather like it...
that would be lovely of you. but if he's confused, he might not remember that his daughter invited him. i can't imagine that she wouldn't....
tiggle....mysterious. i rather like it, too.
I hate the idea that a friend is on her own at xmas. My folks said dad was feeling poorly and my sister is there so I offered not to add to their burden and stay away, thinking I could spend it with our friend. But no, mum has made arrangements and come hell or high water we are doing what mum has arranged. Dad has had his orders, he will be well and we will all have a happy xmas, whether we like it or not.
It's so important to be included at xmas, you are doing a good thing flowerpot :-)
laurie - you're quite right but I think she will tell the home if she is going to take him out on Christmas Day, so we'll check with them first!
philipa - christmas is such a tricky time isn't it? I'm not bothered and am very glad when it's over but I do feel for poor James. Hope your dad is better soon.
True Christmas spirit. You are a really good person. I hope James's daughter (whatever her circumstances are) feels somewhat ashamed when she realises.
Crystal xx
Sounds like a wonderful thing to do at Christmas, to give someone a family to go to when they don't have one of their own to go to (or if their own family is being bastards)
We're sort of doing similar things (we are up to 14 people total now, I believe:-)
I always think that we get more out of opening our arms to people like that that we put in!
N.
FP, my dear, you are one of the world's true heroes. My hat is off and glass is raised to you.
That's Christmas for you. Nothing worse than being left out and feeling unwanted.
You warm my heart Flowerpot, you really do. Bless you. xxxx
I really hope he has been invited to his daughter's for Christmas and that he has just forgotten. But what a lovely idea...to have him over at your place. You really are a wonderful friend.
crystal - i feel a bit overwhelmed now - I'm just trying to look after a friend! After all we're not really doing anything else.
Breadbox - I quite agree, I get much more out of doing things for other people. Keeps me out of mischief too!
AOJ - a hero I most definitely am not but I'll certainly raise a glass!
ellee - to be honest I'd rather forget all about christmas but I hate the idea of J not having some TLC on the day.
Ak - thanks for that.
MissU - I hope he can see his daughter too. It would mean so much to him. Though he'd probably have a more peaceful time here!
It scares me to death when the phone rings in the middle of the night or so early in the morning. I know it's probably nothing, but still...
Post a Comment