tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20092541782796580372024-03-06T02:29:00.016+00:00Serendipity SaysSerendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.comBlogger453125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-34825936703791038442020-11-08T14:53:00.000+00:002020-11-08T14:53:59.326+00:00For the love of her<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yTVIZLClqJ32ZE4wp4ZE4gosjsXcOLt4MSdLZmOluLnENxJE3S9v71iZY_Qq7mCfpL-vlD7VIAWqCRQWMvjnJgScpfTmgjcFs5pfe5E4fcaujhx3OW7Mlu8vz4CKb8x71kDLAQw9Nfnp/s640/roses-821705_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yTVIZLClqJ32ZE4wp4ZE4gosjsXcOLt4MSdLZmOluLnENxJE3S9v71iZY_Qq7mCfpL-vlD7VIAWqCRQWMvjnJgScpfTmgjcFs5pfe5E4fcaujhx3OW7Mlu8vz4CKb8x71kDLAQw9Nfnp/s320/roses-821705_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Felicity climbed carefully into the
trap and sat down, smoothing out her long skirts. She smiled as she
placed the wicker basket beside her. Toys and treats for her Nephews
and Nieces. She shook the reins and clicked the pony on. She hadn't
seen her sister for a few weeks, and her time was drawing near, so
Felicity wanted to check that Mother and baby were well and happy.
Not that she should worry, as Elizabeth's husband Leo absolutely
doted on her.<p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Until a few weeks ago, Leo had been
working as a manager in a bank, so they weren't short on money –
just as well with all of those children! But unfortunately things had
changed and he had lost his job. It was such bad timing, what with
another baby due any day.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">She thought about her sister. Despite
her disability, she was well and happy, and loved. It had happened
nearly thirteen years ago now, shortly after she and Leo had been
married. A horse riding accident! Her back had been broken and had
paralysed her from the chest down. Leo had stood by her, taking care
of her every need.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">When Elizabeth's nurse had a day off,
it was Leo who bathed her, changed her bed and brushed her hair.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Each day he would lift her tenderly,
carefully carry her downstairs, lower her into her bath chair and
wheel her around their immaculate gardens.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">They found great comfort in being
together, for they were so much in love. Which of course, led to many
babies.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Elizabeth found birthing babies easy.
She couldn't feel her pains when her time came, and everything had
always gone easily and smoothly, with the babies arriving happy and
healthy.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Apart from little Martha. She had been
born long before her time and did not survive. Elizabeth had cradled
the infant for the few days that she had lived, giving her warmth and
love until she passed away peacefully in her arms.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The pony trotted on, until they finally
reached the large town house. Felicity drew the pony to a stop
outside and waited for the groom to take it to the stables for a rest
and some food. She looked around. Strange, there was no sign of him.
Shrugging, she released the pony from his harness and led him to the
stable herself.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Slowly, she walked back to the front
door, noticing that the flower beds were not as tidy as usual. She
looked around. No sign of the gardener either. How very strange!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">She rang the doorbell, listening to it
jangling brightly somewhere deep within the large house. The cries of
excited children came to her ears, making her smile. Here they come,
the tribe, she thought to herself. The door opened, and there stood
Leo, a child in his arms and several more gathered around him.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">'Felicity,' He said quietly, 'This is a
surprise, I had no word that you would be visiting today!' She smiled
up at him. 'No, I thought I'd surprise you all and see how Elizabeth
is doing as the new baby is due any day.'</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">'Well come on in' said Leo, standing
aside to let her pass. She noticed that he looked haggard, older,
tired. 'How are you Leo? Are there any new jobs on the horizon?' He
raked his fingers through his hair. They were shaking. 'No, not yet,
but things are looking promising.' He replied. 'Come on in.'</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">She stepped into the house and looked
around. Dust lay in a fine film over the surfaces, things weren't
tidy as they usually were. 'Leo, I think you need a new maid!' She
said jokingly. 'Ah yes,' he replied. 'She's looking after her Mother
at the moment, she's been taken ill with a fever!'</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Felicity walked into the parlour,
surrounded by the children, who were eager to see what treasures were
in the basket for them. She laughed. 'Alright, alright, let me take
off my hat and coat off first and then we shall see what I have for
your all.'</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">She walked over to the coat stand, and
hung her things upon it. She caught a smell, faint, but it was there.
'Leo,' she said, 'What is that strange smell? It is almost like
rotting meat. Maybe cook has left something too long?' 'Yes, maybe
so,' said Leo looking away.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Felicity sat on on a chair, smiling at
the children. 'My goodness, how many of you are there now?' She
asked. 'Eight!' replied Jane, who was the eldest. 'Soon there will
be nine because Mamma will have a little baby soon!'</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">'And how is your Mamma?' Felicity
asked. Jane's face fell and she began to sob quietly. 'Mamma is not
feeling well. Daddy says she is sleeping. We haven't seen her for a
week!'</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Felicity looked at Leo. 'Is this true?'
She demanded. 'Elizabeth would never refuse to see her children, she
dotes on them! What is wrong?'</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Leo looked away and muttered 'She's
just tired, that's all!'</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Felicity felt an odd stirring within
her. Something was very wrong here!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Little Paul tugged at his Father's
sleeve. 'Papa, I'm hungry,' he wailed. 'I'll take him down to the
kitchen, if you like, and see if cook can find him something.'
Felicity suggested.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">'No! Snapped Leo, 'I'll take him!' She
looked at him in surprise! Never before had he been so short with
her. He had always been very polite and caring!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He stalked out of the room with Paul,
some of the other children joined him, pleading hunger too.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Felicity looked around. The other
children were happily playing with their toys. I'll just go and pop
in on Elizabeth while everyone is busy. If she is sleeping, I'll let
her be, she thought.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">She left the room and went upstairs to
Elizabeth's bedroom. She pushed open the door quietly, so that she
would not wake her sister if she was sleeping.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">There's that smell again! Perhaps
Elizabeth's bed needed changing, as it often did. She tiptoed across
to the bed and looked down at her sister's face. It was so pale! She
reached out and stroked her face and recoiled in horror! Elizabeth
was cold. Stone cold! How could this be? Felicity looked down, taking
in her sister's serene face and the bulge of her belly, with her
unborn child within.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The door behind her opened and Leo
walked in. 'Please don't wake her,' He said. Felicity's mind
somersaulted. 'Leo, what's happened here, call the doctor, please
Elizabeth is dead!' Leo smiled. 'No, she's not dead, just sleeping.
She's been sleeping for a week now. I've been bathing her, brushing
her hair, making sure that she is comfortable.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">One morning, on the nurses day off, I
came in to see her, as usual. There was blood, so much blood and she
was sleeping. I cleaned her up, thinking that the baby was coming,
but it didn't and she slept on.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He sat by the bed, taking Elizabeth's
hand in his own. 'My love, He said. 'Once you wake, I will bring the
children to you, they are missing you so much my darling. Please wake
up soon, we all miss your laughter and smiles.'</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I sat down, tears filling my eyes,
looking across at Leo, who loved Elizabeth so very much. So very much
that he could not bear to be without her, ever.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">After a while, I stood, crossed the
room and went back downstairs. The children all turned their happy
faces towards me. How could I tell them. How could I possibly tell
them. But I had to! Someone had to.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Leo came downstairs and looked around
at his crying children. 'Its alright, its alright,' He said, kissing
them one by one. Mamma is just sleeping, she'll be fine soon.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Tears once more filled my eyes as I
turned and left the house. I had to get the Doctor. He would know
what to do! I put pony back into his harness, climbed into the trap
and set off.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-44777888779931556522020-05-12T17:23:00.000+01:002020-05-12T17:23:49.800+01:00I need food!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMt4OGsXmrfbWtYy9CDY1NPtXUbAzUnWs_NN0sotQLXu1CHb9RfJbBH1GQdJhe41ECmdwV2_o3g3G4Y7R5jxDz2X-nx3MyS8vF6on3UT5qLZ99Kw0Je0z63QsA1w8USnO9HoD3MaHsrbLY/s1600/shop-1298480_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="640" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMt4OGsXmrfbWtYy9CDY1NPtXUbAzUnWs_NN0sotQLXu1CHb9RfJbBH1GQdJhe41ECmdwV2_o3g3G4Y7R5jxDz2X-nx3MyS8vF6on3UT5qLZ99Kw0Je0z63QsA1w8USnO9HoD3MaHsrbLY/s320/shop-1298480_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I need food!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
My cupboards are bare,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But I can't go to the shops,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Its just isn't fair.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Government say I'm vulnerable,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I've got to stay in!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I can't leave the house.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Even to empty the bin!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They contacted the shops,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Sainsbury's, Tesco and Asda,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For a delivery slot,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
When I need rice and pasta.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The shops sent an email,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Giving a priority slot.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But I've just had a look,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And there isn't a lot!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There's one on Saturday,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
At eleven at night!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No, I'll be in bed,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
That just isn't right.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I close down my 'puter,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Leave it a while,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'll have a look later,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This is becoming a trial!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Oh, look there's a slot,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For tomorrow, it seems,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I smile and I click,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As food fills my dreams!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No longer available?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No, that can't be right!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Where did it go,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I cry with such fright!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It shouldn't be hard,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
To order online,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Before this darn virus,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I did it just fine!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I stop and I think.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
What more can I do?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I sit and I sigh,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm feeling so blue!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
An hour has passed,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'll try one more time,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Eureka, there's one!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It's gonna be mine.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I click and I hope,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Oh yes it is booked!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If it hadn't have been,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I couldn't have cooked!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With pleasure I click,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
On this and then that,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Oh my, be careful,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Or I'll end up quite fat!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Now I'm relaxed,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I know we won't starve,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Come lunch time on Sunday,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There'll be a chicken to carve.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm happy you see,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Don't feel so bleak.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Until, that is,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I try shopping next week!</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-89956751365227369412020-04-26T11:25:00.001+01:002020-04-26T11:25:41.764+01:00Isolation!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFidpmBVVIVptjCjx1WeuGA6ueKBHT-9xwmbR8bKiOvJVNzCQbRR9vmPpwgm9qA2hRkcTgcpDQVmd_OoEJ30ZRXUVJyz-pFWy6lq3-m1cbjuksMraPnpVAKpUd8qhRNOdAM1XN3l442Dl0/s1600/coronavirus-5000826_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFidpmBVVIVptjCjx1WeuGA6ueKBHT-9xwmbR8bKiOvJVNzCQbRR9vmPpwgm9qA2hRkcTgcpDQVmd_OoEJ30ZRXUVJyz-pFWy6lq3-m1cbjuksMraPnpVAKpUd8qhRNOdAM1XN3l442Dl0/s320/coronavirus-5000826_640.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Fiona opened her eyes and looked up at
the clear blue sky. She tilted up her chin, feeling the sun's warmth
caressing her face.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A half smile formed on her lips. This
was the life. She had felt so lucky to be able to book this perfect
getaway. A real family holiday!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The idyllic, fairytale cottage sat
within a small wood, just a stones throw from the white sands of the
beach.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was so tranquil. The trees whispered
softly to each other in the breeze, the gulls called, soaring above
her. The gentle waves lapped the shore – perfect!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She reached out her hand and scooped up
a handful of sand, letting it fall back to the beach lazily through her
fingers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Fiona turned to look at her husband,
who was fast asleep. He deserved this break. He had been working so
hard lately. They all deserved this break!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She dozed into a light slumber, happy
and content.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A child's laughter woke her. She turned
her head towards the sound and opened her eyes, smiling.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Her two daughters were paddling at the
edge of the sea, shrieking and laughing as the cold water tickled
their toes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She got up and ran across the beach to
them, laughing. 'Come on girls, let's go for a swim!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The three of them waded out into the
cool water, and were soon swimming, enjoying the cool silkiness of
the sea against their hot skin.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ah, sweet isolation, sweet, sweet
isolation. No cars, no trains, no TV. She could get used to this.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Her vision faded, lost like smoke into
the Summer's clear air, silence fell, darkness pressed against her.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* * * *</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The sound of a siren broke
the silence.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Fiona opened her eyes
groggily, looking at the clock on the bedroom wall. 7 AM!</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Time to get up and at 'em, I
suppose, she thought.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She rolled over painfully,
and got out of bed, straightening up slowly and carefully.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Looks like another sunny
day, she though, pulling the curtains open.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She hobbled to the kitchen
and made herself a cup of tea and carried it into the sitting room,
walking across to the window of her tiny flat.
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The park looked so nice down
there. She was so high up that the few dog walkers and runners that
were out at this early hour looked like ants.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She smiled. She loved that
park. Each day she would take a slow and gently stroll around it, if
her knees would let her, that is.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But everything had changed
on that fateful day four weeks ago! That letter. It changed
everything! Nothing would ever be the same again.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Government letter had
made it very clear. She was to stay inside, not go out for 12 weeks!</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Coronavirus! An invisible
and indiscriminate killer had invaded the Earth</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Her world had shrunk to the
size of her tiny, one bedroom flat.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She was on her own. Her
husband had passed away years ago, and her children had grown up,
moved away and had families of their own now.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She longed for conversation,
to speak to the dog walkers, the other elderly people that also took
walks in the park.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She longed to visit the
shops, the hairdresser. But it was not going to happen any time soon.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Once a week, a crumpled
piece of paper was pushed through her letter box – A government
food parcel had been left outside.
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Once a month the local
pharmacy did the same with her medication.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She was lonely, unhappy,
vulnerable. The darkness of her life closed around her, enveloping
her in its icy grip.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She thought back to her
dream of the night before, the bliss, the sweet isolation of being
with her family once more on that holiday, so many years ago.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This isolation felt like a
jail sentence! When would it end? Three months, maybe more? She
yearned for the feeling of fresh air upon her face, the sights and
sounds of normality.
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She had lost track of the
days, they seemed to merge, coalesce into one long nothingness.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Just
hour upon hour, waiting, hoping that it would soon be over, that she
could once more step outside.</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-79960471755652599882020-03-19T15:47:00.000+00:002020-03-19T15:47:07.201+00:00Food hoarders – shame on you!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgt1WcpITwf-zFGV-AQJQiTKiH4thzGroXAdKccpyBnRTfXL2VIPPGjfbmuEewm4oSnIwZ49H-3iNwtp9EqkjOhNYfKqxH4mVszSeVQOXeSpFvCGL66-EuMZaKGQpbGRhwVj-1pCd3Yuc/s1600/supermarket-665049_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgt1WcpITwf-zFGV-AQJQiTKiH4thzGroXAdKccpyBnRTfXL2VIPPGjfbmuEewm4oSnIwZ49H-3iNwtp9EqkjOhNYfKqxH4mVszSeVQOXeSpFvCGL66-EuMZaKGQpbGRhwVj-1pCd3Yuc/s320/supermarket-665049_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You know who you are,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You empty the shelves,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Only caring about yourself</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
How do you feel?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Are you happy?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
How do you feel when you see a Mother
comforting her crying baby?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Because there's no formula on the shelf
to feed it,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There's no nappies to change it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But you have more than you need.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Shame on you!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
How about that man?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The one on Chemo,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He's been told to stay at home.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But he can't book an online shop!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Because you have booked them all.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Shame on you!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
That lady there?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She has a lung condition,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She shouldn't be out either,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But she needs milk and bread.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But there is none,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Because you have taken it all.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Shame on you!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You have even been seen taking food out
of the food bank.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Food for the starving, those who have
no money.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They won't eat today,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But you have enough for months.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Shame on you!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
That young man there.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He has Crohn's disease.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He needs some toilet paper,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For his frequent bowel movements,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But he can't get it,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Because you have stockpiled it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Shame on you.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
See that young girl?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She has diabetes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She needs some sweets to treat her
sugar when it goes too low.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But there is none,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You have piles of them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Shame on you.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
That boy, the one that you think is
being naughty?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He is autistic.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He will only eat a certain shape of
pasta.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But he can't get it, so he won't eat.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But you have lots that you don't need.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Shame on you!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
That young couple?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They have both lost their jobs due to
this virus.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They can't afford to hoard.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They can barely afford the basics,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But they can't get them,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Because you bought them all.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Shame on you!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The list of people that are suffering
because of you goes on and on.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Are you ill, do you need these things?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Will most of your hoard get thrown away
months later because it has spoilt?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
How do you feel?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Is your conscience pricking?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The answer is probably no,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Because you have no conscience.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You are selfish,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Thinking only of yourself,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Not of others that are less fortunate.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
SHAME ON YOU!</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-52443669433314315352020-03-09T10:31:00.002+00:002020-03-09T10:31:46.494+00:00I hate odd socks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUY2zzSJIKNJAmynSXSW30yCQCo77xv3J_TxEZLATiS1e-wqAOBXhqJI50cg-cXu3ts49M1_gHxa-sPLAeDkMAfc7sCKSFqWJFQmNUqPnA8RxTcZRyuu3jnTb3Sy-9S4If8GS7Irh1HNi/s1600/odd-socks-4424190_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUY2zzSJIKNJAmynSXSW30yCQCo77xv3J_TxEZLATiS1e-wqAOBXhqJI50cg-cXu3ts49M1_gHxa-sPLAeDkMAfc7sCKSFqWJFQmNUqPnA8RxTcZRyuu3jnTb3Sy-9S4If8GS7Irh1HNi/s320/odd-socks-4424190_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I look and I sigh,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Laying right there,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Is a little white sock,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Without it's white pair!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The basket is empty,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I've ironed all the stuff.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But the sock is still mocking,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm just one, so tough!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It has to be somewhere!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I look high and then low.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If I were a sock,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Where would I go?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Down the back of the basket?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In the machine?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Walked off alone?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Now that would be mean!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
On the floor in the bathroom?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No, there isn't a sign!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It's so frustrating,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Where are you! I whine.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Time's getting on,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It still isn't found,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I've hunted up high,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And down on the ground!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Time for a cuppa,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm feeling quite beat!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Without a pair,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Of socks for me feet.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It's now time for bed,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And the curtains are drawn,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Up the steps,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I go with a yawn.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Three steps up, I look down,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Down on the stair,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A little white sock,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Is sitting, right there!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm sure that the sock,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Is laughing and mocks,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I really, really,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hate those odd socks!!</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-39393895963100768382020-02-03T19:18:00.000+00:002020-02-03T19:18:29.476+00:00The Grandbaby has arrived!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXmRhPcJx4GAcbt-KxL99OwZc30Kn4Kp3f_5Z6_DJGRKYbyH7XCSQhTBgFl9D5Op5oQ0isz4o4f9aKyXVNYVqjAAa2uET9xA1pqn8mH62y-NYbxqKxcxd_I6I66VUXEoFCXRv27Lc0Hnn/s1600/baby-1299514_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="640" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXmRhPcJx4GAcbt-KxL99OwZc30Kn4Kp3f_5Z6_DJGRKYbyH7XCSQhTBgFl9D5Op5oQ0isz4o4f9aKyXVNYVqjAAa2uET9xA1pqn8mH62y-NYbxqKxcxd_I6I66VUXEoFCXRv27Lc0Hnn/s320/baby-1299514_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Grandbaby has arrived!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm happy to say,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Even though she wasn't expected,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For a month and a day!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Mum had it rough,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Now ain't that the truth!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So baby made her debut,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Through the sun roof!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She was rushed quickly away,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
To check all was well!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Into an incubator,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Only time now, would tell.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Mum was so ill,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She feared for her life,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Her poor husband,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Worried for his wife.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was a tough few days,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We all worried so,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Would Mother and baby,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Get better, oh woe!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But things improved,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They both got much stronger,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Perhaps they'll be home,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Not in hospital much longer!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
After a week long of rest,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Mum, home, she could go,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Gathering strength,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Taking it slow.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Baby is feeding,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Getting stronger each day,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She will soon be home,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And Grandma can play.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It's been a rough time,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For everyone, at best,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But with a beautiful baby,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We all have been blessed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
T'was a bit of shock,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
When she arrived oh so soon,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She's little but perfect,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We're over the moon.</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-22659213820371391542020-01-05T10:20:00.000+00:002020-01-05T10:20:29.725+00:00Oh Alexa!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_HajKeJFR0-Ut40M9tbSLDk-loHvGSDlTucAxE9Gfkiyi88ON6S0iKYPKcIvr-ww73IuegNHllGmA5OfIkNl8hpy0trZY34rLaR4_s5viAF-tqcV6iyKwMRTSOXw8TpgdjhDqRFOY3LL/s1600/amazon-echo-dot-3597986_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_HajKeJFR0-Ut40M9tbSLDk-loHvGSDlTucAxE9Gfkiyi88ON6S0iKYPKcIvr-ww73IuegNHllGmA5OfIkNl8hpy0trZY34rLaR4_s5viAF-tqcV6iyKwMRTSOXw8TpgdjhDqRFOY3LL/s320/amazon-echo-dot-3597986_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I've got a smart speaker,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Alexa's the name!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But getting her to work,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Is sometimes a game!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maybe its my accent,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm often misheard,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It happens so often,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Its becoming absurd!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Turn on the lights!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm sorry, I can't!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The hub's not responding,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Alexa does chant!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I walk to the light,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Flip on, off the switch,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Now she is working.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maybe a glitch?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Play me some music,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Stuff that I like,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Eek, that's disgusting,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Are they eating the mike?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And then there's the light,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The red ring of doom,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Alexa's intelligence,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Has just left the room!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She's lost her connection,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
To the world and the net!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'll have to unplug her,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Again I can bet!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We love our Alexa,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Even when she's quite dim!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Not always intelligent,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She goes out on a limb!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You ask her a question,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And wait for a reply,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
That doesn't make sense!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I tell her and sigh!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Artificial she is,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Of her we are fond,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If she were a person,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm sure she'd be blonde.</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-17506768420686616132019-11-17T11:05:00.001+00:002019-11-17T11:05:43.435+00:00What a waste!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoY-YtvFxgl_SvL26tvoAZ5nOSievQ01N3Rg2A2SwfbJtW8zaEP0gZkZoD-I7ptu-BZZR0imtb6ZXXX2d6hskPbi3SZUZiNcr-d7z69-jLxRB71reioypoJOuRLnguBbVqRATeey0teQ-/s1600/groceries-1343147_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoY-YtvFxgl_SvL26tvoAZ5nOSievQ01N3Rg2A2SwfbJtW8zaEP0gZkZoD-I7ptu-BZZR0imtb6ZXXX2d6hskPbi3SZUZiNcr-d7z69-jLxRB71reioypoJOuRLnguBbVqRATeey0teQ-/s320/groceries-1343147_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Today, my shopping was delivered and
the young lad said 'Your potatoes are on their date today, do you
want me to take them back?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I looked at the spuds. They were dry,
clean, weren't sprouting or mouldy, so I said 'They'll be fine for
weeks yet.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He gave me an odd look and said 'Well
OK, if you are alright with eating them after their date.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I asked him if he would eat them and he
said no, he wouldn't because they would be past their date, he would
throw them out.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It got me thinking about how much
perfectly good food gets thrown away just because of a date printed
on the packet.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I was born before best before dates and
use by dates were printed on products.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We used our common sense back then. If
the bread wasn't mouldy, if the milk smelled OK, then it was fine to
use.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Dad grew fruit and veg, and after it
was harvested, it was stored in the shed and was used throughout the
Winter and into the next year – no best before dates there, either.
If it was firm and not mouldy, it got eaten.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
These days we are urged to do more to
lessen food waste. So why are people still throwing away food that is
perfectly good to eat?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maybe it is time that producers took
best before dates off of their food, so that people go back to using
their eyes and nose to see if things are still good, rather than
relying on a date.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So before you throw away that fruit,
veg or bread that is past its best before date, check it, feel it,
sniff it. If it looks good, smells good, feels good, then go ahead
and eat it, rather than throwing it away.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Make a difference today, both to the planet
and your purse.</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-2508033049296838662019-09-06T13:26:00.000+01:002019-09-06T13:26:44.019+01:00What can I eat?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1HRZxf8ncMVU9mkdx5gOsVTZ_etmzCSdIjvCWSbYa0OAItQh6_bSWyB8FKriIUUBWS9C4_hA94rIwhiTCzOv4dpk3nQwRYvLmFzyVJpzAZobb0rEP3RyA3AvlbzAO498yweR9aIxv0SZ/s1600/jacket-potato-2906023_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1HRZxf8ncMVU9mkdx5gOsVTZ_etmzCSdIjvCWSbYa0OAItQh6_bSWyB8FKriIUUBWS9C4_hA94rIwhiTCzOv4dpk3nQwRYvLmFzyVJpzAZobb0rEP3RyA3AvlbzAO498yweR9aIxv0SZ/s320/jacket-potato-2906023_640.png" width="226" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Its mid day already,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And time for my lunch.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I want something tasty,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Something to munch.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I go to the kitchen,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Open a door,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I look at the contents,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They seem rather poor.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maybe some tuna,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I search and I peek.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Oh darn, I remember,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I ate it last week!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A sandwich perhaps,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I pull out the bread!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Oh, its gone all green.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
That won't get me fed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I sigh and I moan,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Thinking of food,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
My tummy is rumbling,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm in a bad mood.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Potatoes, now there's an idea.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I grab one and scrub,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'll bake in its jacket,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It'll be nice tasty grub.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In the microwave,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For a minute or two,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Beep, beep it is done,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Fully cooked through.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
What shall I add?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
To make it taste great,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Some cheese and tomato,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I throw on the plate.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Yum, now that's very tasty,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Not a bad meal,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I eat every scrap,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Even the peel.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
My tummy is happy,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Couldn't eat another bite.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Back to work now,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I've poems to write.</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-21638007239870539962019-08-14T10:58:00.001+01:002019-08-14T10:58:36.169+01:00The Cube<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1u0wFXwqrY5Xq0jI1SOn0gimIHTI_Oo1B6nHqpPAbDQtgQ7v9IZ0ERox9-PlAIHZokiRH8BlKsjq1Zw-IJSGB-kPhVu1u3xnHdN-0lrUFs0L9iEzLimBOVVe8zRKKSUIfU9Q4P8pZ7T5y/s1600/cube-250082_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1u0wFXwqrY5Xq0jI1SOn0gimIHTI_Oo1B6nHqpPAbDQtgQ7v9IZ0ERox9-PlAIHZokiRH8BlKsjq1Zw-IJSGB-kPhVu1u3xnHdN-0lrUFs0L9iEzLimBOVVe8zRKKSUIfU9Q4P8pZ7T5y/s320/cube-250082_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Ah, this is the life', said Zack,
stretching his arm across Carly's shoulder as they sat on the sofa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Never in their wildest dreams did they
expect to be living the high life – literally. Zack had landed a
high powered job and the penthouse flat in the skyscraper in the city
had seemed the perfect place for them. The stunning views of the city
and the sea beyond through the large window, were just to die for!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Fancy a cuppa?' Asked Zack, standing
up and stretching. He turned towards the kitchen, glancing through
the window at the view. 'What the hell,' he cried 'Is that!!!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Carly turned, looking at Zack
quizzically. He was staring, pointing out of the window. Her gaze
switched to the window and her eyes opened wide in fear and
amazement!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Together they walked to the window and
looked out at the city. There, suspended in the air was a glittering
black cube. Huge, and ominous. They stared. 'What is it?' Whispered
Carly, terrified of what she was seeing. 'I have no idea', replied
Zack, shaking his head in confusion.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'You don't think it could be, like,
aliens, do you?' Said Carly quietly. Zack turned to her and laughed.
'Don't be silly. If it was an alien invasion, the army would be out
there, shooting them down. It's probably some publicity stunt or
something.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I've got to get this on film', said
Zack running through to the bedroom to find his camcorder. He came
back, camcorder in one hand, tripod in the other. 'I want to watch
this', he said, so I'm going to set the camera going on the tripod,
then I won't get distracted.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He set up the camcorder peering through
the viewfinder to get just the right angle. Yes, yes, that's right. I
can see the cube in the sky, above the city and I can see us watching
it. Perfect shot.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He ran back to Carly, and they stood,
watching the mysterious cube. Zack shivered. 'Are you cold?' asked
Carly. 'No, I don't know, I just felt a bit weird there.' 'I know
what you mean', she replied, I feel a little weird myself.' She
smiled weakly at Zack and held his hand tightly.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They stood, unmoving, losing track of
time, as the cube continued to hover, sparkling as the sun glinted
off of its surface.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Without warning, the cube blinked out
of existence. Zack and Carly, startled, turned to look at each other.
'Well that was a bit weird', said Zack. How could it just wink out
like that? It doesn't make sense!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I'm going to go and put the kettle on
and make something to eat', Said Carly. I feel really hungry and
thirsty for some reason!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She headed towards the kitchen, shaking
her head, trying to shake the odd muzziness from it. 'Zack! The
clock! This can't be right, it says its three o'clock. How can that
be so? We started watching the cube at eleven! Maybe the batteries
are gone. We were only watching it for about half an hour, surely?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Zack looked at his watch. 'Carly', he
said slowly, my watch says its three as well!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They looked at each other, scared and
confused, not understanding what had happened, why they had lost
nearly four hours of the day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Let's see what the camera says' Said
Zack, crossing the room and flipping out the screen. 'Yep, it has
been recording for four hours! This is just so bizarre.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They plugged the camcorder into the TV
and sat down to watch the footage. For a while, it was just them, the
cube and the view. Nothing more. Zack fast forwarded the film,
watching for the moment that the cube disappeared, hoping he could
catch the exact frame.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Suddenly Carly screamed! There on the
screen something had winked into existence inside the room – two
somethings!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Two beings, grey, with strangely large
heads, angled forward on their skinny bodies. Long, spindly arms
reached out, one towards Carly, one towards Zack. Why hadn't the seen
them, why hadn't they felt them. This just couldn't be happening.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The creatures talked with each other,
in a series of clicks, their heads tilting as they did. They touched
the couple, measuring and observing. On the screen, Zack and Carly
stood motionless, in some sort of stupor, totally unaware of what was
happening.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The creatures injected the couple in
their necks, took some blood, watched them, looking into ears, eyes
and mouth. Talking to each other, as though they were comparing
notes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
One of them stopped! Its head snapped
around, it had heard something! It turned and spoke to the other.
Both turned and looked at the camera, a look of absolute anger on
their reptilian faces. And disappeared!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
On the screen, Carly and Zack moved
sluggishly, as though they were sleepwalkers. Slowly they turned to
look at each other, and then out of the window again. The cube had
gone! They appeared to snap awake suddenly.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Well that was a bit weird', said Zack.
How could it just wink out like that? It doesn't make sense!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Carly and Zack sat on the sofa in
silence, watching, not believing what they had just seen. Zack rubbed
his neck, thinking that it must have all been a dream, that it could
not just have happened.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Zack, your neck!' exclaimed Carly.
There, just where he had been idly rubbing, was a small, red puncture
mark! He glanced at Carly's neck. Yes, she had one too, just where
the creatures on the screen had injected them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They looked at each other in horror as
the truth of what had just happened became clear!</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-77750052602236028642019-08-08T10:01:00.000+01:002019-08-08T10:01:10.715+01:00Get knitting!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHtYeVNr969h1svjX_zpVsEI04A2JfTRvOCy2gIP6yKcgzsQZ3AslJz-DafheiDQ_2zGXzaJQMY14P2Z7uoVdJ_jCu0RAqJW6PJNlc3VubdzZtTMIRsPrOKoNOu2dMjF_aS2olQFk6ft8/s1600/2019-08-02+20.59.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHtYeVNr969h1svjX_zpVsEI04A2JfTRvOCy2gIP6yKcgzsQZ3AslJz-DafheiDQ_2zGXzaJQMY14P2Z7uoVdJ_jCu0RAqJW6PJNlc3VubdzZtTMIRsPrOKoNOu2dMjF_aS2olQFk6ft8/s320/2019-08-02+20.59.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm going to be a Grandma,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Yes its true!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Shall I knit pink?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Or maybe with blue.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I haven't knitted,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For many a year,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But I'll give it a go,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For clothes are so dear.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I pick up the needles,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Get out the book,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
What shall I knit?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'll give it a look.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ah that one looks simple,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I knit my first row,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But soon I've gone wrong!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Confound it, oh blow!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I unravel the wool,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Try it once more.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Oh no, not again,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This is becoming a bore!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I will persevere,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'll soon get it right,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'll try oh so hard,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With all of my might.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hooray, It's gone right!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm now going good,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maybe after the cardy,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'll knit it a hood.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A few weeks have gone by,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And I've re-learned the craft.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I've a pile of clothing,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was worth all the graft.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
When the baby is born,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It will have lots of nice bits,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And I'll be a Granny,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A Granny who knits!</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-34272321107305235062019-07-04T14:19:00.000+01:002019-07-04T11:33:01.146+01:00The Changeling - Chapter one<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Changeling
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A short story in
instalments</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
By Serendipity Says</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Chapter one</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John sighed as he fell onto the sofa.
Never in his life had he felt so drained! He reached for his cup of
tea and idly flicked through the photo album that he had found in the
cupboard.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He smiled as he looked at himself
playing on the beach, aged around 4. His Mother holding his hand as
he jumped over the little waves.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ah, he used to love those holidays.
Being an only child had its advantages – no siblings to vie for
Mum's attention!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It had been a tough few months. His
beloved Mum had passed away around ten years ago, her body ravaged by
the cancer which had taken her life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And then, his Dad! Suddenly and without
warning he had passed away from a massive heart attack!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John looked around at the home in which
he had spent his childhood.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And a strange childhood it had been in
many ways. Mum and Dad had never encouraged him to make friends,
never liked him to go out and play.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They had home schooled him, so apart
from routine medical appointments, he didn't really spend much time
away from the house until he had started work.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Now his parents were gone! It felt
bitter sweet. He missed them so much, after all, they had been his
life! But he also felt free. He could live his own life now, do what
he wanted. Make friends, maybe even meet a nice girl and settle down.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Between looking after Mum and working,
he had never felt the need to settle down. But now, in his early 50's
maybe it was time to change that at last.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This won't do, he thought, I still have
this rambling old house to deal with!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With no family, it had fallen to John
to pick through the house, looking for anything important, sifting
through the 'stuff' that had accumulated through the years.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He hauled himself out of the sofa. What
next! He thought. There's the attic. He had looked through most of
the house, but had left the attic. He hadn't been up there for years.
Goodness knows what rubbish he would find up there!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He climbed the ladder and flicked on
the torch and looked around in surprise. It was clear! There was
hardly anything there! He stepped out onto the floor and scanned
around. Nothing. Nothing at all! He had expected clutter everywhere.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He flashed his torch this way and that.
The light fell onto a small box, tucked right under the eaves at the
front. John picked his way across, treading carefully, as the
flooring looked rotten.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Finally he reached the box. It was tied
with a blue ribbon, dusty with age. What could be inside? Old photos
or documents?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He untied the bow and took off the lid.
A pile of newspaper clippings fell out. He shone the torch on them,
looking at the headlines.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Toddler missing, screamed one,
abduction, kidnapping! One after one he read the clippings. As he got
further into the box, the clippings got shorter. The half pages
became paragraphs, the paragraphs became a few sentences. It was as
though the newspapers had given up, lost interest.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Who was this toddler, had he ever been
found? Why had his parents kept the clippings?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
At the bottom of the box, he found a
grainy photograph of a young boy. He shone the torch on it, trying to
see the photo more clearly in the darkness of the attic.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The child looked familiar somehow, as
though he had seen him before. Then realisation dawned and he dropped
the box! <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This photo was going to change his life
for ever! His life as he knew it tumbled, like the newspapers
tumbling from the box on his lap, his mind reeled. What did this
mean? Could it be true?</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-14519652937966865492019-07-03T10:51:00.000+01:002019-07-04T11:33:48.773+01:00The Changeling - Chapter Two<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLwc_VtaOLkDA24A1ouNYS4XCw43P8uSc2cSXyRHcYPUN-d8GojQ0kmTjpli6WML9mt5BVM2DmskjugH_X4wH96ng0vjE0a-34-WGkGX9ZFwHKfaaxQyGfaaJbpsJ7COFrMM6IXaLbHHe/s1600/silhouette-3299358_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="640" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLwc_VtaOLkDA24A1ouNYS4XCw43P8uSc2cSXyRHcYPUN-d8GojQ0kmTjpli6WML9mt5BVM2DmskjugH_X4wH96ng0vjE0a-34-WGkGX9ZFwHKfaaxQyGfaaJbpsJ7COFrMM6IXaLbHHe/s320/silhouette-3299358_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Changeling
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Chapter two<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John gathered up the clippings and the
photo, putting them back into the box and made his way shakily down
the ladder, into the brightness of the house.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He went downstairs, clutching the box
tightly and put it down carefully on the kitchen table.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He sat and ran his fingers through his
hair nervously. He could hardly believe what he had seen. Surely, he
had been mistaken, it just couldn't be true. It didn't make any
sense!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He looked again at the box and thought
about the contents. No, no, this just isn't right, he said to
himself, rising and pacing back and forth across the tiled kitchen
floor.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With a sudden movement, he grabbed the
box, bolted for the back door, and ran into the garden.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Fresh air, yes, that's what I need.
Got to clear my head, can't think straight', he murmured to himself.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He walked across the overgrown garden
to the bench under the apple tree. It was always Mum's favourite
spot. He had lost count of the times that she had read to him on that
bench over the years.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The tree had been planted when he had
been small. It had grown strong and tall over the years. The bench
had been Mum's idea. 'I just like to be here', she had said. 'It's my
special place, this tree holds so many memories.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
When she had been ill, she had asked
for her ashes to be scattered around its base. 'I want to be a part
of it for ever.' She had said.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He sat down and gazed up through the
spreading branches. The fruit was just starting to set, little
miniature fruits, promising a bumper crop to come. This tree had
always done well. Each year the apples swelled, ripe and juicy,
filling its branches.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John looked down at the box, almost
frightened to open it again, to see if what he had seen was true. He
knew that it was impossible, but he had been so sure! The jolt had
been enough to make the world spin!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With trembling hands, he once more
opened the lid and gazed at the contents. He shuffled through the
clippings, looking for the photo.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Yes there it was, he looked at it
again. Yes, yes, he had been right!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He looked at the grainy photo of the
missing child. And his own eyes looked straight back at him!</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-54723024863034795532019-07-02T11:04:00.000+01:002019-07-04T11:34:26.154+01:00The Changeling - Chapter Three<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-lXvNMt5r2xd7LtUMjlaiTjgp8jdj0B447yqQTMxrpIAEZK1vT_seAp-3CWcclAGLXvhIenm_0MYayB93mOAiR1KeSbkQX8DA-gY4xhW_7e0E0prbQn-7ERWGzJhG9XouNJntsOF1Nf3/s1600/silhouette-3299358_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="640" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-lXvNMt5r2xd7LtUMjlaiTjgp8jdj0B447yqQTMxrpIAEZK1vT_seAp-3CWcclAGLXvhIenm_0MYayB93mOAiR1KeSbkQX8DA-gY4xhW_7e0E0prbQn-7ERWGzJhG9XouNJntsOF1Nf3/s320/silhouette-3299358_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Changeling
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Chapter Three</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John stared at the photo. But how could
this be? Maybe this little boy just looked like him. But then, why
would his parents have kept the clippings, why did they hide the box
away for all of these years?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
His mind ran through infinite
possibilities, each more far fetched than the last. There has to be
an simple explanation, there just has to be!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He looked closer at the face gazing
back at him from the photo. Then he gasped! Through the graininess of
the photo, he had spotted something that proved without a doubt that
the boy in the photo was him!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The boy's face was tilted upwards, the
eyes and mouth smiling. He looked so happy. And there, just on the
jawline, faint but there, was the birthmark!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John idly rubbed his chin, as he stared
at the boy, feeling the slight roughness of the mark on his own skin</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He put down the picture and began to
look at the clippings, reading each in turn.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Henry Maxwell, aged 3, disappeared
from a local park this morning'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'There are still no clues as to the
whereabouts of Henry Maxwell, aged 3, who disappeared last week from
a local park'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Local lad, Henry Maxwell, aged 3,
thought to have been kidnapped'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Henry Maxwell, aged 3, now believed
dead!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The clippings spanned around a year
before they stopped. Henry had never been found, he had just
disappeared, with no clues, no leads, no sightings.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John felt sick! But he couldn't be
Henry Maxwell! There were photos of him as a baby, giggling in his
parents arms. His earliest memories were here, in this house, with
his parents!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He put the box down and stumbled back
to the house. 'I'll find the photos of me as a baby, I am NOT Henry
Maxwell! I am John Thompson!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He opened the sideboard in the lounge
and pulled out the old album and flicked through the pages, his mouth
dry and his heart pounding.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He looked: Him smiling up at his
parents from his pushchair, him running in the garden, him on the
beach. Picture after picture of him! A picture of him aged around 2,
cuddling a teddy with a ribbon tied around its neck.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But then he stopped. His hand resting
on the page. He looked closely, hardly believing his own eyes. No,
this can't be right! The baby in the pictures, there's something
missing, something not quite right!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Picture after picture was the same. He
flicked through the album. Desperately seeking out the truth.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This child had no birthmark!!!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This child was not him!!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
What was happening? The world that he
had known began to crash around him. Who was he? Was he John
Thompson, or was he Henry Maxwell?</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-20187163202576289912019-07-02T11:01:00.000+01:002019-07-04T11:40:00.579+01:00The Changeling - Chapter Four<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8qDuvBzQ6glUZDDxsqQzYcWt1PyYja5_ndLW5Qdb8kI2LP8r7LK8e6luszulHqcP3KjP88vDeS0BM1iu7bnu0cClroaq3zcz_pbnFYYxnRC-bqRoi8fheHblYeXuZiUQrLfnxMKvymUJ/s1600/silhouette-3299358_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="640" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8qDuvBzQ6glUZDDxsqQzYcWt1PyYja5_ndLW5Qdb8kI2LP8r7LK8e6luszulHqcP3KjP88vDeS0BM1iu7bnu0cClroaq3zcz_pbnFYYxnRC-bqRoi8fheHblYeXuZiUQrLfnxMKvymUJ/s320/silhouette-3299358_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Changeling
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Chapter Four</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John reached for the phone and
hesitantly rang the number.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Hello, police, I think I have some
information on the missing boy called Henry Maxwell!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He listened to the tapping of the
officer as he typed the information into his computer.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Sir,' The officer finally said in a
bored voice. 'He went missing 50 years ago! This case has been closed
for many years. What new information do you think you can have?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John swallowed nervously. 'I think,' He
said, his voice trembling, 'That I may be Henry Maxwell!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There was silence from the other end of
the line. Then a puzzled voice said 'Sir, can you hold just a minute,
I need to speak to one of my colleagues.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John waited, nervously drumming his
fingers on the table. Minutes went by, still there was no sound from
the other end of the telephone.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ten minutes went by! Then an official
sounding voice asked 'Sir, why do you think that you are Henry
Maxwell?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John nervously told the man what he had
found, and what he suspected.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Sir, I think that I need to come and
speak to you!' The man said curtly.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John put down the phone. 'What have I
got myself into,' He muttered, sitting down heavily, feeling as
though his legs would no longer hold him.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Presently, he heard the sound of a car
pulling into the drive. Falteringly, he got up and answered the door
to a large, burly man carrying a briefcase. The man held out his
hand. 'I'm Detective Inspector Manning, from the missing persons
department. I believe that you have some important information about
the case of little Henry Maxwell.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John nodded and invited the man into
the house. 'Would you like a cup of tea, while we talk, John asked
nervously.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Yes please Sir, that would be very
nice!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John went through to the kitchen and
presently brought back two steaming cups, handing one to the
Inspector and hugging the other in his own hands, as though its
warmth could somehow make him feel better.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He sat down opposite the man, pointing
to the box and the photo album on the table.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'You see', said John, the missing boy
has the same birthmark as me! The baby in the earlier pictures
doesn't, and then when I reach around 3, the birthmark appears in the
photos. I just can't explain it! Am I really Henry Maxwell?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Inspector looked at the photos and
the newspaper clippings, taking his time to check them thoroughly,
occasionally glancing up at John with a surprised look. <br />
<br />
Finally,
he put down the documents and turned to look at John, he shook his
head, puzzled!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It would appear that you are indeed
Henry Maxwell', He agreed. 'But, if you are Henry Maxwell, then who
is the boy in the early photos?'
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I think we are going to have to go
through this house with a fine tooth comb to try to try find the
truth of the matter.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'But we will find out the truth Sir,
you mark my words!</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-37135605762853473712019-07-01T10:14:00.000+01:002019-07-04T11:40:25.189+01:00The Changeling - Chapter Five<br />
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCIyG8xW4EHQ03yfwJPcLSA6ETj1nPovqempwlhCr9oN1sFCANnJqef6jZhQtG-PfBlpt-i_FylburB2f8EnKiYa2CrqYII2-u8nNGv8faecqid_8foQh_r5RrdOCFYyrikDOg4bGfzxo/s1600/silhouette-3299358_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="640" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCIyG8xW4EHQ03yfwJPcLSA6ETj1nPovqempwlhCr9oN1sFCANnJqef6jZhQtG-PfBlpt-i_FylburB2f8EnKiYa2CrqYII2-u8nNGv8faecqid_8foQh_r5RrdOCFYyrikDOg4bGfzxo/s320/silhouette-3299358_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The changeling
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Chapter 5</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John cringed as the sound of protesting
wood filled the house.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A team of men wearing white coveralls
had arrived early that morning, along with Detective Inspector
Manning.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'What are you looking for, exactly,'
asked John, feeling as though both him and his home where being
violated. 'Why are your men pulling up floorboards?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Well Sir,' Replied Manning, 'It is our
belief that we are looking for the remains of a child!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Surely you can't be accusing my
parents of murder! They were the kindest, most loving people that you
could imagine. There is no way that they would murder a child. It
just doesn't make sense!' Exclaimed John.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'There have been some developments.'
Replied the Detective Inspector. 'We have reason to believe that the
child, named John Thompson, died at the hands of another.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Why would you even think that!'
Shouted John. 'They protected me, they would never have harmed me! I
don't believe you!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Sir,' the Inspector said gently.
'There was a report made to the police back then, John Thompson had
been admitted to hospital on numerous occasions with unexplained
injuries. It was suspected at the time that his parents were
responsible. An investigation was ongoing, but the injuries stopped,
and the child seemed well, so the investigation was halted.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'We now have reason to believe that the
child died at the hands of his parents and that you were abducted and
raised in his place!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Why, why would they murder their own
child! Why would they take me? It makes no sense at all!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'We don't quite understand either Sir,
which is why we need to do such a thorough investigation of the
property now.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John walked across to the window and
gazed out at the garden. The garden that his Mother had loved so
much.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
More white coveralled men were scouring
the flowerbeds and lawns. One was dragging a device across the
garden, peering at a screen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'What's that machine for?' Asked John.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'That is a ground penetrating radar, it
looks for anomalies under the ground' replied the Inspector.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Anomalies? What do you mean? Bodies?
You think there's a body out there?' John asked in a surprised voice.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'As I said, we're just being thorough'
replied the Inspector.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John sat down, wishing that he had
never made the phone call, wishing that he had never found the box,
wishing that his world could go back to the way it was just a few
days ago.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'We've found something!' called one of
the men from the garden. 'There's something under this apple tree!
We're going to have to dig it up – its entangled in the roots of
the tree!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'NO!!' John screamed frantically. 'No,
you are not digging up my Mother's tree! I don't care what it is that
you think that you've found!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Gentle arms held him back as he tried
to stop the men. 'Now then Sir, this has to be done. Calm yourself.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'My mother planted that tree when I was
little, it grew with me, you can't destroy it, you just can't!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But at that moment, the sound of a
chain saw rent the air. Within minutes, the job was done and the tree
lay in a tangled, broken heap on the lawn.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Men swarmed into the area, gently
teasing and clearing the roots from the ground, digging down to find
their 'anomaly'.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Sir, we've found something!' The
Inspector hurriedly made his way into the garden and across to where
the apple tree had so recently stood proud and strong.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He looked down into the hole that the
men had so carefully dug. Peeking out of the soil was a skull! A
human skull. A skull the size of a 3 year old child!</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-63614331833483912312019-06-30T10:36:00.000+01:002019-07-04T11:41:10.369+01:00The Changeling - Chapter Six<br />
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDx5q-aVKmY_6W_UIELYxWe0eX-DT01TMzHJ1p5JwxznF77U2qHB-_FJKROMV9aMe32AA-3aZWluOXoEQuuKWAjo7-eBG2fdBk3Xl9p8tGvMZlBl_E5Kb3BSlpYZn1ueA9kUm91B9BVPY/s1600/silhouette-3299358_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="640" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDx5q-aVKmY_6W_UIELYxWe0eX-DT01TMzHJ1p5JwxznF77U2qHB-_FJKROMV9aMe32AA-3aZWluOXoEQuuKWAjo7-eBG2fdBk3Xl9p8tGvMZlBl_E5Kb3BSlpYZn1ueA9kUm91B9BVPY/s320/silhouette-3299358_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Changeling
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Chapter Six</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
After the bones had been taken away for
analysis, the house became strangely silent.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There had been a few days of frenzied
activity, checking the house and gardens for more evidence.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
An item had been found with the bones –
a metal box. The forensics team had said that it was almost as though
the child had been holding it in its arms. John didn't know what the
box had contained. He guessed that he would find out one day.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Like he guessed he would find out who
he really was!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Blood had been taken for genetic
analysis, to find out if he truly was Henry or not. He still couldn't
get his head around what had happened. Still didn't know who he
really was.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
His childhood had been a little
strange, but still, his parents loved him. Wrapped him up in cotton
wool almost. They just didn't have it within them to kill their own
child.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But even if they did, why would they
take another Mother's son?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There were so many unanswered
questions, so many uncertainties.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The newspapers had been full of the
story of the skeleton in the garden, guessing as to its identity and
what had caused the child's death. After a while, the newspapers lost
interest in the story and stopped reporting on it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The weeks passed and John began to feel
calmer and stronger. He went back to work. To start with, his
colleagues wanted to know all of the gory details, but as they only
knew as much as John, they soon became bored and stopped asking.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
**********</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
One month on, the phone rang. 'Hello,
John Thompson speaking'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Hello Sir, Chief Inspector Manning
here, I have some news. May I come to see you?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John and the Inspector sat in the
lounge drinking tea. 'Well, Mr Thompson, we have some results to
share with you. But maybe I should call you Mr Maxwell now, as the
genetic testing has confirmed that is who you are. <br />
<br />
I am
pleased to say that your parents are still alive and would love to
see you. Your Mother has always said that she believed you to be
alive and well and she has finally been proved right!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'The bones have been examined and they
do appear to be those of John Thompson. The bones show numerous
fractures, which coincide with John's hospital records'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'But how did he die?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I'm afraid that he met a violent end.
His skull was badly fractured, and there is no doubt that that is how
he died. As so much time has passed, there is really no way of
knowing what caused the injury, but we suspect foul play. The coroner
still has more tests to carry out, which will hopefully shed more
light on the matter.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'There is one more thing that I would
like to share with you Sir,'
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The inspector pulled the small metal
box out of his bag. 'We found this buried alongside the body, and
wondered if you knew anything about it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He handed John the box. It was a small
tin, the sort that used to contain biscuits. He opened it, and
nestled carefully within it was a teddy bear. John looked at it in
surprise.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I've seen this bear somewhere before,'
He said, trying to place where.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He got up and walked to the sideboard,
taking out the photo album and flicking through the pages.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Yes, here it is, he said – there's a
picture of me, I mean him, holding the bear, but in the picture it
has a ribbon around its neck. But the ribbon is missing now.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He looked at the bear, puzzled.
Something was niggling at the back of his mind. The ribbon! Yes! The
ribbon!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Inspector, I know where that ribbon
is! It was tied around the box with the newspaper clippings in!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Sadly he realised that this small fact
showed with certainty that his parents really did have something to
do with this child's death, that they did bury him, along with his
beloved teddy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Why, why did his parents steal him, and
why did John die. He would probably never know the truth now!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-7468360297201966762019-06-29T10:32:00.000+01:002019-07-04T11:43:14.135+01:00The Changeling - Chapter Seven<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsHsjwNzIGdzIa6G8pjHT0v-dFvQq_N9xoXkw00PmkRW6BsknBak0PHRMabSBN7LIWoWFhSLTLfDTBI77zw7tb6MPjdrp8H7y5qFlHmBbFV6W05-1TsR3KoItvCevxU1uSDKdly9Nduh8/s1600/silhouette-3299358_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="640" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsHsjwNzIGdzIa6G8pjHT0v-dFvQq_N9xoXkw00PmkRW6BsknBak0PHRMabSBN7LIWoWFhSLTLfDTBI77zw7tb6MPjdrp8H7y5qFlHmBbFV6W05-1TsR3KoItvCevxU1uSDKdly9Nduh8/s320/silhouette-3299358_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Changeling
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Chapter Seven</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
**********</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
50 years earlier</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maggie and Den Thompson sat beside
their son's hospital bed, trying to calm the fractious toddler.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I wanna go home!' John sobbed. 'I want
my teddy!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'It's OK darling, we're just waiting
for the doctor to visit and then we can go home!' Said his Mother
soothingly.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Wanna go NOW!' Shouted John.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A soft knock came at the door. 'Come
in' Said Den.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A white coated doctor entered the room.
He walked up to John and tousled his hair. 'And how is my favourite
patient today?' He asked, smiling.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Arm better. Wanna go home!' Said John,
looking petulantly at the doctor.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'OK, OK.' Chuckled the doctor. 'You can
go home. I just need to talk to Mum and Dad a minute, then you can
go. But mind you, don't go running riot and falling over with that
sling on!. I don't want you back here again.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Doctor turned to Mr and Mrs
Thompson. 'Can we step outside and speak for a moment please?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John's parents nodded and followed the
Doctor, looking at each other anxiously.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Is John OK?' Asked Maggie. 'I thought
you said it was only a small fracture and that it would heal on its
own with the sling in a few weeks.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Yes, yes, that's right,' Said the
Doctor, 'But there's something else I want to talk about.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He ushered Maggie and Den along the
corridor and into a small office.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Please, sit down.' he said. 'I want to
discuss John's injuries.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Den and Maggie looked at the Doctor,
who sat across from them behind a mahogany desk.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'It was just an accident,' Said Maggie.
'He fell off the swing, he's always falling and hurting himself. He's
an active lad.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I've looked through his notes, he's
had quite a few accidents and fractures in the last year hasn't he.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'As I said, he's an active lad', said
Maggie, looking confused.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Doctor rested his hands on the
desk, leaning towards the couple. 'Well, I'm sorry to say that his
numerous injuries have flagged him up as a possible victim of abuse,
and we have had to report the matter to social services. John will be
put on a watch, and if there are further injuries, then will have to
take the matter further and involve the police!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'What are you trying to say! Are you
saying that we would hurt our son!' Den shouted at the Doctor.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'We would never hurt him. How dare you
accuse us of that! We love him, I don't understand how you could
think that! We're taking our son home. We're taking him home right
now!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Den and Maggie stood up, and marched
out of the room, back to their son.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Come on John, we're going home, right
now!' Said Den hurriedly.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maggie helped John to get dressed,
being careful of his broken arm, the boy looked from his Mum to his
Dad and back, confused.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Mummy, why you cry? Daddy, why you
angry? John is a good boy!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I'm sorry John', Said Maggie, drying
her tears. 'You are a good boy. Mummy and Daddy are a bit sad, but it
isn't about you.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John hugged his Mother with his good
arm. 'Smile Mummy and Daddy', he said, looking uncertainly at them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Den gathered his son into his arms and
the family walked out of the hospital, back to their family home.</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-73231871089464840582019-06-28T10:42:00.000+01:002019-07-04T11:43:53.702+01:00The Changeling - Chapter Eight<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui3S9RJJ5FK_fn_eD156aMdVQYqWdIZOzv_0ig4CN01O5IGD1bNV-9CbjHD-9HZ47NWh8Ml7ckLD2Xm9UHLKPwvVjj8idjdkIoTrhyphenhyphenMCXJGlWyk51WDxEI9Xe3ZGmDFohNUdbOoKbxTAv/s1600/silhouette-3299358_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="640" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui3S9RJJ5FK_fn_eD156aMdVQYqWdIZOzv_0ig4CN01O5IGD1bNV-9CbjHD-9HZ47NWh8Ml7ckLD2Xm9UHLKPwvVjj8idjdkIoTrhyphenhyphenMCXJGlWyk51WDxEI9Xe3ZGmDFohNUdbOoKbxTAv/s320/silhouette-3299358_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Changeling
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Chapter Eight</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For the next few weeks, Den and Maggie
didn't let John out of their sight. His arm began to heal and he was
soon back to his normal, active self.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I still can't understand why the
Doctor thought that we could ever hurt him.' Maggie said, smiling at
her son, as he sat on the floor, playing with his cars, making brum,
brum noises.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I know', replied Den. 'We just can't
let him have another accident. They would probably take him away from
us and the police would investigate.'</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'But surely they wouldn't say that we
had hurt him? They can't send us to jail, we've done nothing wrong!
Said Maggie, tears in her eyes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'It is a worry,' Said Den. 'We can't
prove that we didn't hurt him! This is a nightmare. Anyway, it's a
lovely day, shall we all go for a little walk.'</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'John,' Said his Dad gently, 'Do you
want to go for a walk?'</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Park, park,' Replied John happily.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Go upstairs and get your coat then,
and we'll be off,' Said Den, smiling.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John left his cars and pattered across
the room in his bare feet and, with his favourite car still in his
hands, he ran up the stairs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Den and Maggie smiled at each other,
happy that John was happy!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Coming down in minute,' shouted John.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
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Maggie climbed the stairs, smiling, to
help John get ready.</div>
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<br /></div>
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John ran along the landing towards her.
Too late, Maggie saw the toy car at the top of the stairs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'JOHN' She screamed as her son's foot
stepped onto the car.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In slow motion John slipped and fell.
He toppled backwards, the back of his head hitting the ground with a
sickening thud. He slid and tumbled like a rag doll down the stairs,
caught by Maggie half way down.</div>
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<br /></div>
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'John, John,' she screamed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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John looked up at his mother, his eyes
wide and afraid. She hugged him tightly. 'Its OK baby, its OK,
Mummy's got you!'</div>
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<br /></div>
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She carried John to the sofa and sat
with him on her lap.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Maggie, we need to call an ambulance,
he's badly hurt,' Den said in a shocked voice, looking down at the
pale, quiet face of his son.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John's eyes closed and he made a
strange, gurgling sound. He became limp and still in his Mother's
arms.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'JOHN, JOHN,' Maggie screamed! 'No,
dear God no,' She shook her son, willing him to open his eyes and
smile up at her. But John would never open his eyes again!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I'm going to call an ambulance,' Den
said shakily, sitting down beside his wife. 'We need help.'</div>
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<br /></div>
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Maggie looked down at the lifeless body
of her son and back at Den, confused, devastated, numb.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Minutes passed, Den sat next to his
wife. 'We have to phone,' He said quietly.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maggie looked up, her eyes full of
tears. 'We'll go to jail,' She sobbed, we can't! I can't go to jail!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'But we have to do SOMETHING!' said
Den.</div>
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<br /></div>
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'Let me just have some time with him,
please,' Whispered Maggie.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They sat, cradling John. The hours
passed. The room began to grow dark around them.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maggie turned to Den, her eyes blank.
'John's tired, I think I should put him to bed.'</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'But Maggie,' Pleaded Den. 'He's dead,
look, he's gone cold and stiff. We need to get help, it's not to
late!'</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'No, no, you're wrong!, Shouted Maggie.
'He's just sleeping! I'm putting him to bed'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maggie carried her son's lifeless body
upstairs and gently put him to bed. 'Sleep well John,' She murmured.
'See you in the morning.' She leaned down and kissed him tenderly on
the forehead.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
She walked along the hall to her own
bedroom climbed into bed, curled into a foetal position and fell
asleep. Den lay down next to his wife cuddling her and cried himself
to sleep.
</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-49466622991460273502019-06-27T10:36:00.000+01:002019-07-04T11:44:19.247+01:00The Changeling - Chapter Nine<br />
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcnoPa-V9JFJskHCNh84m4Kp-kXwvYrFroKI_0xRWRKduUVsu3auGlePvYXWL48xufQRulfjT1ILj2QS6fn5h3qSAw5Doh-9GpDwFfMh7i3bP2-5y9ZF6rOpEOk2R7gF6P6CSy8NJqISJ/s1600/silhouette-3299358_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="640" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcnoPa-V9JFJskHCNh84m4Kp-kXwvYrFroKI_0xRWRKduUVsu3auGlePvYXWL48xufQRulfjT1ILj2QS6fn5h3qSAw5Doh-9GpDwFfMh7i3bP2-5y9ZF6rOpEOk2R7gF6P6CSy8NJqISJ/s320/silhouette-3299358_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Changeling
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Chapter Nine</div>
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<br /></div>
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Den awoke suddenly, the bright morning
sunlight streamed into the room. He lay, and the events of yesterday
crashed down upon him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Singing! He could hear singing!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Down in the kitchen, Maggie bustled
around, making breakfast. He pulled back the covers and walked
downstairs, glancing at the still closed door of his Son's room.</div>
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<br /></div>
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'Ah, morning darling, it's a beautiful
day.' She kissed him on the cheek, smiling and happy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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'We've run out of milk, I'll just nip
down to the shop. I'll be back in a bit.'</div>
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<br /></div>
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Den stood, numb and confused and
watched Maggie walk out.</div>
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**********</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Maggie took a short cut through the
park. What a lovely day, she thought, and sat down on a bench to
enjoy the sunshine for a while. She felt strange today. Her head felt
fuzzy, confused, but she didn't know why. Maybe a sit down would
help.</div>
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**********</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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'Come along Henry, get a wiggle on,'
called Jenny. 'Let's go for a little walk while Granny gets breakfast
ready.' Henry smiled up at his Mother.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Like park,' He said.</div>
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<br /></div>
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'OK, the park it is then,' Said Jenny,
laughing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hand in hand they walked down to the
park.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Jenny? Jenny, is that you?' Called a
voice.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Jenny looked around at the grey haired
lady walking towards her through the park.</div>
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<br /></div>
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'It's Mrs King isn't it,' Jenny said,
smiling.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Yes, that's right dear, I haven't seen
you in this neck of the woods for years, visiting your Mum?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Yes,' Said Jenny. 'My husband is away
on business, so I thought we'd come down for a visit.' She smiled
down at Henry. 'It's much nicer here than in smelly old London isn't
it.'</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Henry smiled up at his Mother. 'Like
Park!' He said.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Jenny smiled at Mrs King. 'He's such a
lovely boy.'</div>
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<br /></div>
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The two women carried on chatting,
catching up on old times.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Neither noticed Henry slip away, nobody
say him run across the park, chasing a squirrel with glee.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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**********</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maggie sat on the bench, feeling a
little better. A small noise beside her made her turn. A blonde
haired boy sat down beside her.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Me chase squirrel,' Said Henry,
smiling up at Maggie.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'John?' Said Maggie in surprise. 'How
did you get here on your own? Where's Daddy?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Daddy at work!' Replied the little
boy.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Well, it was very naughty of you to
walk here on your own. Come along, let's go home.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maggie took the boy's small hand in her
own, stood up and walked towards home.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-64219414514328213072019-06-26T10:50:00.000+01:002019-07-04T11:44:42.324+01:00The Changeling - Epilogue<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxYvs5yxHyDlJT5-xcbmDVXbnfcjq7BjJt36nW5Q7IPyYXqCzCkW1k3lPv5qylM7nW_isO00x60u5w0a7MKdIOpVTackQbDhl0VMydC6F6FBvfjJmqSUAbUkXdE7X8T39I9R8Pmy6oTBo/s1600/silhouette-3299358_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="640" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxYvs5yxHyDlJT5-xcbmDVXbnfcjq7BjJt36nW5Q7IPyYXqCzCkW1k3lPv5qylM7nW_isO00x60u5w0a7MKdIOpVTackQbDhl0VMydC6F6FBvfjJmqSUAbUkXdE7X8T39I9R8Pmy6oTBo/s320/silhouette-3299358_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Changeling
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Epilogue</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>POST MORTEM EXAMINATION</u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
NAME OF THE DECEASED:
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
John Thompson</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
AGE:
</div>
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<br /></div>
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3 years</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
REPORT:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The remains are that of a
3 year old child, identified via medical records as John Thompson.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The bones show signs of
numerous fractures, spanning from birth until the time of death.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There is a partially
healed fracture of the left humerus and several other fresh long bone
fractures, which occurred either at or shortly before death.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There is a fresh basilar
skull fracture, which is likely to have been the cause of death.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Examination of the bones
reveals that they are fragile and show signs of the disease
Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Genetic analysis of the remains confirms
this diagnosis.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
CAUSE OF DEATH:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Death was most likely
caused by the basilar skull fracture, caused by Osteogenesis
Imperfecta.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
VERDICT:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Accidental death
precipitated by pre-existing brittle bone disease. No foul play is
suspected.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
**********<br />
<br />
THE END<br />
<br />
**********</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-56057176093197490252019-05-12T11:45:00.000+01:002019-05-12T11:45:11.944+01:00What is fear?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-5t1vI_4wlySIO9g9GTkdh3T-q2J8IA53A-yQH4s00vB-n4dnyrZaDFwUF7otXkuT6cqMzwFrGYii-Pd90uXv9O_tYFzI-xq4PoGptEq0ABwW2f_anAub__-HXD3kiMri_RSzqthdnaN/s1600/eyes-394175_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="640" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-5t1vI_4wlySIO9g9GTkdh3T-q2J8IA53A-yQH4s00vB-n4dnyrZaDFwUF7otXkuT6cqMzwFrGYii-Pd90uXv9O_tYFzI-xq4PoGptEq0ABwW2f_anAub__-HXD3kiMri_RSzqthdnaN/s320/eyes-394175_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
What is Fear?<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Is it facing death? <br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Is it jumping out of a plane?<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Is it ousting a spider from the house?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The truth is, fear can be dealing with
all or any of these things and many more.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Fear is different for everyone, it
comes in many different disguises.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Bravery is facing your fears and
conquering them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Bravery is learning how strong you are,
how you are able to face your fears.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It doesn't matter if this fear seems
large or small – facing it is what is important.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For me, my greatest fear is facing the
dentist. I feel like I want to run away, I feel sick! I sweat, my
legs feel weak. <br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But I know that I must face my fear, I
must do what scares me – I must have courage!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I know that once the ordeal is over, I
will feel great.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Conquering that fear, being courageous
makes me feel good about myself.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I know that the next time, I will still
be afraid, but I know that I can do it and each time gets just a little easier.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Whatever your fear, big or small,
rational or not, face it. <br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Use that inner courage that you have,
that strength that is within.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Take small steps, pushing yourself a little more each time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Learn to control that fear bit by bit, be strong.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Be brave, conquer your fears, and grow.
</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-71805763902878534112019-04-17T16:28:00.000+01:002019-04-17T16:28:33.848+01:00I want to win an Easter egg!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHetS3eRJJvlBpncf7_9-cLpVftfufExoFx3R4pbZMOiHDbR0mqWcV_wzU8ry8DBUDe0uwDWHkWkIa4unBKtfOodvYIFAPWtEzvgfpwmZboomlF2XC2ZhSU8DWZFrRQJHtUMB1itu5oEw/s1600/easter-1238465_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="640" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHetS3eRJJvlBpncf7_9-cLpVftfufExoFx3R4pbZMOiHDbR0mqWcV_wzU8ry8DBUDe0uwDWHkWkIa4unBKtfOodvYIFAPWtEzvgfpwmZboomlF2XC2ZhSU8DWZFrRQJHtUMB1itu5oEw/s320/easter-1238465_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I want to win an Easter egg!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm not asking much.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I just love all chocolate,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
When it comes to the crunch.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I usually win one,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Some years there's two,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Delicious and creamy,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I might share it with you!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There's so many comps,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
To win tasty things,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Eggs, chicks or bunnies,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Such pleasure it brings.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Cadbury or Lindt,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Dark, milk or white,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm trying to win,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With all of my might!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Facebook and Twitter,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Seem to have lots,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'll enter so carefully,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hope they're not won by bots!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Easter is near,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Just another few days!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm getting quite desperate,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In so many ways!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm writing short ditties,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Counting up chicks,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Oh please let me win,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Choccie's my fix!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But still, If I don't win,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
When Easter is done,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'll buy it half price,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Though it's not so much fun.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But to all of my readers,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I wish to you all,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Easter good wishes,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Please have a ball.</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-12576617822538136932019-04-04T14:40:00.001+01:002019-04-04T14:40:21.633+01:00The Wedding day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbbKIh4r_ltq_1_oNWjJqAQ2w_LSDTb18Cfb6yGW49ykVASf16-tMot0bcUc7ACJY7kLQxLPHLohRiuK0rr2PDH3g-MRp8HY16kQMw6ktQeHbTzkk-c4zT7a94ncDNqfT_7rTlGUXacPK/s1600/beautiful-1846171_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="640" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbbKIh4r_ltq_1_oNWjJqAQ2w_LSDTb18Cfb6yGW49ykVASf16-tMot0bcUc7ACJY7kLQxLPHLohRiuK0rr2PDH3g-MRp8HY16kQMw6ktQeHbTzkk-c4zT7a94ncDNqfT_7rTlGUXacPK/s320/beautiful-1846171_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I suppose it's time to get up she
thought, stretching herself lazily. She pulled back the covers and
walked across the room to open the curtains. <br /><br />Sunshine!
Bright, bright sunshine with not a cloud in the sky! A perfect day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Yes, a perfect day to get married!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A chorus of groans sounded behind her
as the light hit the sleeping faces of her three bridesmaids.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Come on girls, get up! Today is the
day!'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The girls looked at each other and
grinned. They flung back their covers and ran, smiling, out onto the
balcony, looking out at the perfect view of the lake and gardens from
their hotel room.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They dressed quickly and went
downstairs for their breakfast, nervous and excited about the day
ahead.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
After breakfast, it was back to the
room, to start preparations. How busy it was. Hairdressers and a
photographer joined them, and soon the room was buzzing with
excitement.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Deliveries appeared: flowers and
balloons.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Make up was applied. Everyone looked
beautiful!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Soon it was time for 'The dress'. The
bride wriggled herself into it, and with a bridesmaid's help it was
on!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The time flew by, and soon it was time
for the ceremony itself.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Tall and proud, her father walked
beside her. The groom turned, his eyes glistening as he saw her.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Words of love and commitment where
spoken, nerves causing both bride and groom to stutter over their
lines.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Rings where exchanged and joy of joy,
they fitted perfectly.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Out into the sunshine, confetti flies,
photographs are taken.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Dinner: Oh such a beautiful meal. The
cake is cut. She feeds him a slice, everyone smiles.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Everyone is full and happy. They all go
outside, playing garden games in the sunshine.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Soon it is time for the evening
reception. Dancing, lights, fun and food.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
All too soon it is over! Time for bed.
Tomorrow will be their first day as man and wife.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Congratulations to my beautiful
daughter and her handsome new husband.</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2009254178279658037.post-37406416704720360412019-03-23T13:03:00.000+00:002019-03-23T13:03:11.421+00:00Just one more week!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVb8ai1kzk6zoUz_HASphGM-_VBicgdcBNsPZfDrvXiS8H0SMyde3YFShNJd-PVAhHnkz8B76m6CtVSTgPBWnB8t4pgv_ZpmQmQTHsy6o0p5q4ixqlKoFgLNeOuX-iQUkiS9JQXkVOCGMr/s1600/wedding-1594957_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVb8ai1kzk6zoUz_HASphGM-_VBicgdcBNsPZfDrvXiS8H0SMyde3YFShNJd-PVAhHnkz8B76m6CtVSTgPBWnB8t4pgv_ZpmQmQTHsy6o0p5q4ixqlKoFgLNeOuX-iQUkiS9JQXkVOCGMr/s320/wedding-1594957_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
My daughter's getting married,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I've told you before,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm doing an update,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I hope it won't bore!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The wedding's near,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Just one more week!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The dress is perfect,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I've had a sneak peek.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Daughter's excited,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And oh, so am I</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I hope on the day,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I really don't cry!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The flowers are ordered,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Colours are mellow.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Roses and daisies,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In orange and yellow.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The food is ordered,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Soup and chicken,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
All of our lips,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We will be licking!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The disco is booked,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Lots of music and light,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Fun and balloons,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It'll be a delight!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Lots of family and friends,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Will come for the day,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Some will stay over,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If they live far away.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The day will be perfect,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Even if there's rain!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It won't make our happiness,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Run down the drain!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And after the wedding,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They're going away!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Flying off on honeymoon,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In the sun they will play!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And when they come home,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There'll be hugs and some kisses,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And they'll settle right down,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As Mr and Mrs.</div>
<br />Serendipityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096182882257177134noreply@blogger.com4