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Writer's pictureCathie Rooyen

Revisiting

Updated: Jun 15, 2023

Wednesday 14th June 2023


I woke early with my mind racing.  I was thinking of my friend and her family and the new day of being one day away from her life. I remembered counting off the days when my mum died as if somehow magically she would reappear when I got to ... well the destination was unknown. All that territory was unknown.  I tried to shake myself out of the thoughts but eventually I picked up my phone to interrupt the thoughts. It worked and I managed to fall back asleep for an hour.


I was thinking about my rush to stay awake at first light is so different this year, compared to last. I think overall my adrenaline is much less, and there's a calmness to my being here and understanding that I am here for a long while so I can take my time.


Although there was a sudden rush after lunchtime to go out and enjoy the sunshine. My nephew was driving down to Paisley town so I got a lift with him and explored some of the buildings I'd visited last year. The Abbey is still majestic and it was cool and comfortable inside.  I took some pictures and was pleased that my nephew showed me the 'new' Alien gargoyle. The Medieval Abbey has been affected by the weather through the many years, and 12 of the gargoyles were damaged. One needed replaced, so they added the Alien styled gargoyle to acknowledge the 1979 movie.





It was so hot that I actually wore my shorts to town and I was grateful for it. I kept trying to pop into the few remaining open shops (post lockdown/ cost of living crisis) to get some air-conditioning and I walked in the shady side of the street.  I ended up at the small 'granny cafe' again and was pleased to recognise some of the old dears from last year. I found the street art again and found some of the old entrances to the tenement houses that have the original tiles so I was pleased to see them before getting the bus back to my brother's. It was too hot to walk. Lol.




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