Leaning on the shoulders of giants

I came very close to giving up this week. It seemed that every time I took a step forward, another rug was pulled from underneath me and frankly, I’d had enough. Just as I thought we were about to exchange on the house, problem after problem got thrown in my face to the point where I just wanted to go to bed and give up trying. And yet, no matter how many times that rug was pulled away, someone managed to shove it back under my feet again. Despite my determination to prove I could do this alone, I am forever thankful to those who helped me get through the endless questions and legal stuffs. Frances, Ayca, Richard, Maham, Sophie, Irene and Jenny- I owe you big time. I have had quite enough of emotional rollercoasters thank you very much universe. They say a true friend is one that never gives up on you and this week has certainly proved as much. Embedded in my dining table is a favourite quote, “A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you become, and still, gently allows you to grow”. Shakespeare for your information.

Oddly yet very well- received this week were a flutter of emails in relation to this here blog. Amongst them there two from old friends of Tony’s that I have never met and another from a former client who I haven’t been in touch with since they moved Stateside in 2013. All had come across the blog in various ways but had written to me in person to say how sorry they were to hear about T’s passing and how much they had been moved by my writing. Funnily enough, despite my internal funk, these really gave me a mental boost. I love writing these blogs every week but it’s always nice when you get praised for it. And yes to those who keep pestering about a book, when I’m ready.

With all the swerves in the road this week, there was nothing more needed than a Saturday evening spent with my bestie and a chilled spritzer in her garden even if our flowing conversation was somewhat peppered with my “Arry, don’t swallow that” and “Arry, put that down” accompanied by excited yips from a German Shepherd who had just found a new pet rock. Nevertheless for the first time in a very long time, I felt the layers of stress start to peel away. Life, fingers crossed, is finally on the up.

Sadly tomorrow I say goodbye to another trusted friend, my Land Rover aka the Black Rose (Tony named her because he said she looked like a pirate ship). Our Rose is off to her new life as a country girl, something she would prefer much more than sitting in London traffic. After all, she was bred to get muddy. Much as I adore her, there is little point in keeping her when we only have 30 days to go. Think about it…….

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” (Oprah Winfrey)