Our mother Doreen was a brilliant craftswoman. She could turn her hand to just about anything - from embroidery to lampshade making and from gloving to basket weaving. I remember her guiding me through the process of creating my little "Gonk" figure - with me insisting that I do it all by myself. In the end I was as pleased as punch with what I had done.I think it was a year or two later that I sewed "Hull City" on the back of my unique "Gonk" and the number 8 which was Ken Wagstaff's shirt number.
I have no idea what Waggy would have thought of my Gonk tribute. It is possible that he might have been offended.
It's just past 1.30pm on Thursday. Yesterday was all about telephone communications in relation to Simon's death. There's been a lot of waiting around and effectively I was trapped in our house, keen not to miss the promised call back from the registrar's offices in Hull. They have still not called this morning. Some time soon, I must attend those offices in person and I need to blend that appointment in with another "sorting out" trip to Simon's cottage. It's most frustrating to be hanging around at this sad time.
Little Phoebe is on holiday in France right now so our childcare services are not required this week. In that sense, I guess that Simon picked a convenient time to cast off his mortal coil. Nonetheless, we are both missing our lovely granddaughter who brings extra joy into our house whenever she visits. Her other grandparents are enjoying her special company this week. along with her two little cousins from Western Australia.
I think that's pretty impressive craftsmanship for an 11- or 12-year-old, and even more impressive is the fact that Simon saved it all this time. I hope you manage your errands with the registrar without too much trouble.
ReplyDeleteThe wait continues in spite of my "giddy up" calls. It's not a good way of passing your time when you need to get on with things.
DeleteDid it tug at your heart, seeing that little guy that you made all those years ago in your brother's things? You did a good job of it and it has lasted well.
ReplyDeleteI doubt I will be the only one to suggest that if you had a cell phone in your pocket, you could leave the house instead of waiting for phone calls. And you could be getting darling pictures of your sweet Phoebe on vacation, too. But I know you are determined not to own one of these devil's devices.
In a serious vein, there are so many legalities to deal with after a death and so many decisions to be made. Difficult upon difficulty in an already terribly hard time.
If I had a smartphone I would not be wandering about with all the information they require ahead of the registration appointment. It's 3.15pm on Thursday so it's looking like another working day will pass by without them getting back to me. I can't go for a walk or get out in the garden and we have had to stay off the phone as much as possible for fear of missing their call back.
DeleteJust been watching Ken Wagstaff scoring goals on You Tube. He was a prolific scorer like my hero George Best. He was called Best and was the best. Did you see the England Lionnesses winning goal last night? It was a cracker. Like Frank Carson would say.
ReplyDeleteI watched the entire match and enjoyed it. Why don't women footballers whip their shirts off when they score? I bet JayCee would.
DeleteOnly if I wore my best liberty bodice underneath.
DeleteWhat a crafty little person you were, YP.
ReplyDeleteI do like that shade of purple.
See my cheeky comment to Uncle Dave.
DeleteA echo what Ms. Moon said, a mobile phone. Are you stubborn at all:)
ReplyDeleteThere's always so much to do after someone dies and doing nothing, while waiting for phone calls, would be even worse.
Finally they called. I now have an appointment on Monday morning so I can get on with my life till then.
DeleteOne of the problems you face YP is the fact that everyone assumes you will have a smart phone and be available, at their whim, no matter where you are. I do hope that the arrangements go smoothly, and you don't have to wait around each and every day until everything is finalised.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that Phoebe is in France and meeting two new cousins for the first time. Her return, and the photos of her holiday will brighten your days and lessen the stress you're experiencing now.
Thank you Wise Woman! Finally I have an appointment to formally register the death but you are right about that assumption.
DeleteGonk looks quite the character, and I am sure finding him in that box was a blast from the past. When we had to sort out the contents of my grandparents‘ house and I came across things I treasured as a little girl but had forgotten about, I couldn‘t stop crying for a while.
ReplyDeleteThe office not calling back is frustrating and unsatisfying. As you say, you wNt - and need - to get on with things. Also, I imagine a walk would do you a world of good right now.
Yes indeed Meike - I did want a long walk but I was chained to the house. Now the appointment has finally come through...Monday morning.
DeleteNot sure what happened to my comment on previous post where I said it it a strange thing to realise you are the last one left from a home. No one to remember with. Waggy Waggy Waggy Oi Oi Oi!
ReplyDeleteOn a practical note, it might be worth paying for several copies of the DC from the registrar because otherwise they are I think £11 each if you have to get them later, on top of which solicitors charge for requesting them. Depends on how many institutions you will have to inform - bank, savings, etc. It all takes time if you only have one copy, especially if someone doesn't send it back.
Thanks Tasker. I understand that when I visit the registrar's office in Hull on Monday, every death certificate will cost me £11! More if I got extras later.
DeleteB. Hell! Extras used to cost less at time of registration.
DeleteThe march of time.
DeleteOh and thanks for your other (private) comment in which you provided some useful advice.
DeleteBest name ever...plus this reminded me of my childhood, and my Mom, and the things we created together. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome DB. Thanks for dropping by.
DeleteThats a rather poignant little figure from your shared childhood
ReplyDeleteDid it by chance eat people?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jV-E09efRE
Gonk is so cute! It's sweet that Simon had it among his things. Sorry about all that waiting for phone calls. That's NOT sweet.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping Phoebe was around to take your minds off grief. Nothing could be better for sadness than to have the newest member of your family around to make you smile! When does she return from France?
I find Gonk kind of cute.
ReplyDeleteGonk is a sweet memory. I am glad you found him. Red tape is the worst. Here death certificates are $20 a piece. Expensive but you can't do anything without them.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere recently where you had a one call system to a government department and all appropriate government authorities would be notified by the one department.
ReplyDelete