It’s been a week of mixed emotions and time travel. Callum took off for one end of the world and Salome to the other, at least it felt like it. Naturally, like all mothers, I stalked my son for almost his entire flight on one of those radar apps and bombarded him with messages once he had landed “are you okay?”, “where are you?”, “please text me?!” . Poor thing was exhausted and just wanted to sleep without his mother’s continual tirade of panic. He is of course, fine but the 10 hour time difference will take a while for his body to adjust to. Talking with him this morning, the world felt that little bit smaller – he’s just a phone call away.
Another mum (our Alice) said good-bye to her child this week, Salome left our little nest for her new life with Corey and John in Long Island. Having left Denis in charge of the woofers, I headed off for Paris 700 kms North with Neo and a mildly perplexed puppy. After a small diversion in the big city (what’s a city without roadworks?), we arrived at the designated meeting point or at least what I thought was the place having diligently followed my Sat Nav and settled down in the car for the night. Unfortunately for me, I had been so focused on making sure Sal had all her necessary documents and bedding, I had forgotten to pack anything for me to sleep on or in save a thin dog blanket. It was freezing and my little car is no match for the wonders of the Mothership with all its creature comforts, I think I was lucky to get about 3 hours kip. As dawn arose, desperate for a pee and the surrounding gardens looking private enough, I nipped behind a bush unseen. Then it was the dogs turn and knowing that Sal had to empty herself (no breakfast), I took them out onto the nearest bit of grass – jobs done. Except we were at the wrong building. Ours was further down the road and as I backed out of our parking place I noticed that the pristine lawn of a tech company had been graced with a very large poo. I didn’t look back and having whizzed over to the ‘pet service’, said my tearful farewell to my little girl. She was, apparently, an absolute trooper especially as her flight landed three hours late (although six hours behind us – very confusing) and is now settling into her new life happily.
The last time I drove back South was 18 months ago and my body rebelled the entire journey. My legs cramped up and a sharp pain in my shoulder made the drive complete agony. But it was worth it as I whizzed down the last few kilometres to Rouffiac and saw the Pyrenees welcoming me in the distance, I was home. The woofers were pleased to see me although Alice did sit on the verandah for half the night slightly confused and Sherman kept giving me woeful eyes. Running up into the hills the next morning to see the sunrise and despite my legs still aching from the day before, I was happy to be back where I belong. And with Salome in her new home and Callum starting out on his own journey, maybe it’s not such a big world after all….
“Travel far enough, you meet yourself.”( David Mitchell)
Widow plus woofs 