Grannymar

Yesterday on BBC Radio 4 we heard of the death of Nick Clarke, presenter of the World at One, the lunchtime news programme. Nick was diagnosed with cancer just a year ago. The programme was extended from the usual 30 minutes to a full hour. It consisted of a summary of Nick’s life in journalism, clips from various programmes that he was associated with over the years, and a deluge of colleagues, politicians and other public figures all telling us what a wonderful person he was.

It is good to hear how well liked and professional they considered him. But it also made me wonder – How many of those who were so moved to have their voice heard yesterday, ever actually told Nick of how they admired his qualities and skill, when he was still alive? The words may bring comfort to the family left behind, but would have been better said to Nick when he was alive.

I like to say ‘thank you’ when a gentleman holds a door open for me, the service is good in a shop or restaurant or when someone does something helpful for me. The ‘Thank You’ like a smile costs nothing and does no good when kept to oneself. It might be the first kind thing that has happened for that person all week.

Once, I was asked why I smile when I walk down the street. Well sometimes when people see you smile they think you know them and smile back. If they do know me I look like I recognise them. And if I don’t know them they might wonder what I was up to that made me smile!

No, there is no way I am telling you what I get up to!

It is a dark, dreary and wet November day. I so want to curl up in bed and close out the world. Instead I have decided to count my blessings - just 20 things off the top of my head that make life and living worthwhile. So here goes:

1. Elly, who made me a mother and gives me love as well as lectures.
2. Jack my late ‘Soul-Mate’, who taught me how to love.
3. My own front door, that I can open to welcome friends or close and keep out the cold, windy and damp weather.
4. Cooking whatever and whenever I feel like eating.
5. A good warm real fire. It adds life to my home and warms my toes like nothing else.
6. Laughing and the Grandmother who taught me to find laughter in everything we did.
7. Helen, a friend who is like a tonic and makes me glad to be alive.
8. Good Coffee.
9. Sharing a nice bottle of wine with friends.
10. MSN Messenger for keeping in contact with family and friends around the globe.
11. A walk in the woods or by the sea.
12. BBC World Service for the hours when I can’t sleep.
13.Needlework of the creative type rather than repairs.
14. Having a good head of hair, even if the auburn is losing the battle with the grey.
15. That I can eat what I like without wearing it on my hips.
16. Being a size 10/12.
17. Birdsong especially in the morning.
18. Listening to music.
19. Reading, even if I am slow.
20. The person who invented Tissues.

Now I am sure you can do better than this. Go on give it a try!