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Writer's pictureCathie Rooyen

Reflect

Wednesday 14th September 2022


I was fortunate enough to have some more time with my aunt and cousin this morning as they came into Aberdeen to see me off. It was one of those visits that I should have recorded because of her telling of memories of mum.



Being 11 years younger than my mum she told me of how she'd idolised her, and how adventurous and capable my mum was.

"She was so good at everything..."

This all felt newsworthy to me, because all I know of mum was of that one role.  Aunt Trudy spoke of how she disliked my dad at first, because he took mum away from her and the family home.  But there was also a happy long-lasting memory of dad in that he brought two chocolate Easter eggs in a box for Trudy and the slightly older sibling as a means of charming his way in.

"He knew there was an undercurrent and what to do about it, and every time I see a box of Easter eggs now, I still think of your dad.."

She'd never seen them in a box before that winning move of dad's. 


After our coffee and farewell, they found me again in the station Cafe buying Irn Bru for the journey. She rushed to buy a card and put some money in it. I had a tear in my eye while opening it on the train, feeling like a tiny youngster on receiving many Christmas gifts. 


My trip back to Glasgow was lovely and sunny and plenty of time to reflect.  The surroundings of the city stirred familiar feelings and I realised that I wasn’t using my Google maps. This time, I know where I am.


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