The Truth by Tony The Granny I love A regular reader of this journal said “Beryl’s walk sounds a breeze” he’s right, it does, but it’s not. Those privileged to read her book about the JOGLE, unfortunately never published, were moved to tears when she wrote of our walk from top to bottom and revealed the pain, the suffering, the doubts and constantly reminding us that whatever made us despair was nothing compared to the daily trauma felt by the parents of terminally ill children. When one of us was weakening, the other helped to bear the load, often literally. If one of us needed help the other could go and get it. We knew that however much we raised it was a mere drop in the ocean, but Beryl kept us going saying “every bit helps”. This time it is far more difficult, no one to lean on, to confess ones fears, to comfort when in pain or sickness, or send for help. You would think from what has been written so far that, other than the odd minor problem that “the walk was a breeze”, but you would be totally wrong! Little clues such as “You’ve no idea how hard it is” - “I twisted my ankle and wondered if I could continue” – “I was scared stiff when the horses galloped towards me and the gate seemed miles away” – “I thought Rudi had broken his leg”, can you imagine what it’s like to be a 65 year old Granny alone with a dog or two and a nonexistent mobile phone signal in scorching sun with no shade or in a thunderstorm? And she probably hasn’t told me of the worst as she is trying to avoid giving me extra stress. She did admit that she was homesick, exhausted, and this was early in the morning after a good night’s rest Both before and after my heart operation Beryl was a tower of strength, never showing anything other than confidence, sympathy and love. It was several months later that I learnt of her tears and fears. So what keeps her going? Answer, your donations. Every time she is able to contact me she asks about the fund. I will now admit, that from time to time when nothing has come through the post or into the bank, I have made a modest donation so that I could truthfully say more money today. That reminds me a £10 note was anonymously shoved through my letter box today. Thanks. If any reporter seeking a story reads this, do not quote me but probe beneath the surface when you interview her, which reminds me, I hope somebody reminds me to wipe this off the computer before she gets home. It’s not a breeze . |