5 years

Today marks 5 years since we entered lockdown. And our lives changed forever. In so many ways, it’s hard to believe it actually happened. It’s like a hazy nightmare or dream. One where you’re not sure if it did or didn’t happen.

I’m still angry, sad, bewildered, grateful and a thousand other emotions. I know others are too. A collective sense of grief for what was, what might have been and what we lost.

Have we’ve truly acknowledged the impacts of Covid? Do we actually know? I joked at the time that it was like we were in a social experiment. Given the current state of the world, I’m starting to wonder if it was.

I read a post today that really made me think. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have wanted to be making the decisions. Looking back, I’m not sure what it actually achieved. We seem to be in a worse state now than before.

I guess time will tell. History is usually written by the victors. Wonder how it will be reflected in all the chaos, scaremongering and lies…

Registrar

And just like that, I’m back down South. We are now able to register my Mum’s death. So I came down to support my Dad. The Registrars’ office has moved into the Library. It’s such a funky building. Many memories of coming here as a child. My first office job was across the road. So I would pop in here sometimes in my lunch break to pick up a book or two.

I have to say, it was a very surreal process. A few questions and fact checking. Then a death certificate is produced. And my Mum has officially gone. It makes it very real.

I love watching genealogy programmes. I’ve found out a lot about my lineages. Today reminds me that for every name on a family tree or death certificate, there was a life lived. Each person made memories, had many stories to tell and played a part in many others lives. We will all leave a legacy in the mind of those we leave behind. Bit like the books in the library…

Legacy

Well we did it! Today’s show at Carleton Riding Club was in honour of this amazing woman – Martine Holden.

I’ve know Martine for a long time now. She’s one of the few people I actively seek out for advice with Buddy. She’s the reason I wanted to go to BHS camp. Now I’ve lost count of how many I’ve been to. She’s the reason I joined Carleton Riding Club. Now I’m on the committee.

So when we decide to do a fundraiser for the charity of her choice, I jumped at the chance to be play a part. Not sure I realised I would have to walk 6.5 miles though!

It’s been a fabulous day indeed. Seeing everyone in their hi-viz competing was just brilliant. People really embraced the cause and the chance to honour Martine.

There was a lot of love shown for her. I haven’t done the final count yet, but we’re heading towards £2,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Martine, you’ll never know how much you’ve done for me. So I will pay it forward and be more Martine…