For Grandpa

Recently my lovely Grandpa Douglas Biggs died in London. My Grandma had died earlier this year. They had been married 67 years last year in December. They remain in my opinion perfect examples of love and inspiration amongst many other things. Even though they were on the other side of the world my sister and I were very lucky to see them as many times as we did. Most recently Adrian and I saw Grandpa in June this year. I heard stories I'd never heard before (after some prompting), we shared a car journey and tea at my uncle's house and of course, cuddles. He also gifted to me two pieces of my Grandma's jewellery from their 25th wedding anniversary (with much emotion) which, as well as my many memories, I will cherish forever.

***
A Collection of Memories

When I think of you
I think of
the Isle of Capri
and neatly cut fruit

I think of
cherry ice cream
my first trip to a carwash
and Italian tenors

I think of
Freemasonry, whiskey and love
hugs, baggy cardigans
and planter boxes

Squirrels, foxes, internet
politics, war, snow
bus conductors
and electricity.

Generosity, laughter
soft hair
a cheeky wink
and a cheeky smile

False teeth coming out
in an apricot pie.

I think of family,
warmth and fun,
rain and hobby horses
and stories over wine

I think of letters
travelling
thousands of miles
and phone calls late at night

South of the Border
forever in the sunshine
sitting in your back room
calm and steady

I'll keep this close -
my Collection of Memories
of my Grandpa,
at once:
entertaining,
loving,
inspirational.

***

Some lovely music:
Isle of Capri (1934) by Al Bowlly and Monia Liter
South of the Border (1939) by Gene Autry (ay, ay, ay, ay!)
O Sole Mio (1994) by The Three Tenors
Nessun Dorma (1994) by The Three Tenors