Page 24 - br-nov-2021

November 2021 November 2021
OBITUARIES POETRY CORNER

somewhat of a legacy behind. When Opportunity Knocks Down the road, into the park,
It all seemed quite a lark -
I think I’d be frowned upon at for not mentioning his trusty When opportunity knocks then open But just then, like me, my heart began
companion Willow. Having gone away on holiday in their caravan in 2003, the door, to race.
Mum and Dad briefly mentioned a desire to get a dog, something I then took It may be too good to ignore -
upon myself to locate for them, and force their hand on. I’m sure in her early May be the postman, may be more, Then my pulse began to thump,
years, Willow’s energeticness and lack of boundaries, made my choice less When opportunity knocks. And my head began to bump,
than popular, but as she grew up and calmed down, she would always be I wondered why this jogging was so in
by his side, waiting for a treat and a walk (or a chance to chase some deer!) When opportunity knocks then don’t fashion?
She was always popular with his students at school, and the grandchildren, delay, As my legs turned to jelly,
and I know she left a hole when her illness got the better of her last year. This could be your red letter day - Wished I was watching telly -
Blue skies may come from those that For this fitness test I soon was losing
I mention their caravan holidays, and as through my childhood, Dad’s are grey,
favourite way of spending time and relaxing was going away in the caravan passion.
with Mum, with multiple trips to Cornwall, The Lake District, Wales and When opportunity knocks. Then my legs began to ache,

Scotland amongst their regular tours, being lucky enough with his long We all get our chances, Couldn’t make it round the lake,
teacher’s holidays to get away for 3 or 4 weeks each summer at least. And some people take them; If I continued now I knew I’d be a
Dad’s hobbies were always the more relaxed kind, as I expect many people And if they don’t come quick wreck.
here can attest to, he kept his mind sharpened by playing online scrabble enough, My feet felt like lead -
games, with multiple games constantly on the go with everybody, I feel lucky Some people even make them. Why had I left my bed?
with my record of winning about 1 in every 4 games against him! This is no When opportunity knocks you should I had pains in muscles, ankles, arms
surprise to me though, as from an early age once he’d taught me a game, be waiting, and neck.
he would never let me win!! He also enjoyed for many years weekly games of You should be anticipating:
Crib in a local league, playing with Mum and other friends, getting a chance My steps began to stumble,
to socialise whilst also maintaining his competitive edge! He also enjoyed Soon your joys will be accumulating, I thought I’d take a tumble,
spending time in his garden, but only if it was to grow vegetables. Non-edible When opportunity knocks. My face was burning now and
flowers did seem a bit of a waste of time for him, and even in recent less- Eileen Richardson everything was hot.
mobile times he would be sitting in a chair, directing Mum on what needs My thoughts were in a muddle,
doing. I know we’ll all have to put some work in next year to keep it to his Keeping Fit I splashed into a puddle -
standards! How I wished I’d stuck to running on
On a chilly winter morn, the spot.
Despite that competitive nature, Dad was always incredibly supportive, he Right at the crack of dawn,
would be the first person I would always go to for advice or if I needed help Though the wind was blowing from If I wished to go on living,
with anything, with nothing ever seeming to be a the East and bitter, I knew I’d have to give in,
problem. Even if he didn’t agree with something, I thought I’d go out for a run - For this fitness game I now had lost
he’d explain it in a constructive way and help you to desire.
find a solution. This continued over the years when I’d been told it was fun - I’m still interested in sport,
any time one of the grandchildren had a toy that And they tell me that it really makes But I don’t feel so distraught –
had broken, the instant response would be to ask me you fitter.
to take it to Grandad to fix it! There were many times I got dressed up for the part, Now I just watch Grandstand, sitting
as well I would be trying to pretend to Hannah that I Aimed to make a proper start, by the fire!

knew what I was doing whilst trying to do some form Then I set off at quite a cracking Eileen Richardson
of DIY at home, when really all I was doing was pace.

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