Strange title maybe but the only way I could think of explaining it.
Quite a few years ago when my aunt became ill, I became aware of her neighbours. Christine and Dyfrig who had kindly taken it upon themselves to care for her. Making sure she could get to hospital appointments, and ensuring she ate well and took her meds.
As Joan's condition got worse, and my visits to see her increased, I spent more and more time in the company of Chris and Dyf, and relied on them to keep me informed of any changes as and when they occurred. Chris soon became Joan's paid carer and looked after her until her last few days, at which point she was moved to a care home.
It was Chris who called me and told me that she felt time was short and maybe a visit would be a good idea. Naturally I left immediately and headed up to Wales. On my arrival I was greeted by Chris and Dyf, looked after me like their own, and spent hours talking to me about Joan, her situation and anything else we chose to discuss.
Making me supper on the day I arrived, giving me the best grilled cheese I have ever eaten. Unfortunately I was also feeling a bit rough, so I was given tablets, made a drink and told to rest well.
After heading back home a few days later, it was the following day I would receive the call to say Joan had passed away.
I cannot imagine a more caring and loving couple to have cared for my aunt during these times. So I have always been grateful for their help making sure Joan had the best final years possible.
Over the time I spent visiting, I grew close to Chris and Dyf, to the point they were always on my mind whenever I visited Wales, and I always made a point of stopping in for a coffee and chat. Between visits we would exchange emails and the occasional call. Of course, I am not great speaking to people on the phone, so a few went unanswered from time to time.
With Covid and Ann having her accident on Feb of 2020, I was unable to make my normal trip to Wales that Feb. From that point on with lock down, isolation etc, visits became impossible and as time passed contact was lost. I did email them a couple of years back, but other than that there has been nothing.
Until today that is...
With a little time to pass this morning after arriving in Wales, I took a drive past their house, to see if everything looked the same, morbidly worrying one of them may have passed during Covid. Looking from one side it appeared all was the same. Passing by the other elevation of the house, like fate, they both walked into the kitchen and I saw them
Knowing they were both OK there was no time like the present, so I parked up and knocked. Encouraged to do so by Ann of course. Dyf came to the door, told me Chris wasn't well, and invited me in. I called Ann from the car and in we went. I went to the kitchen to talk to Chris, Ann joined Dyf in the lounge.
Turns out Chris has had heart and lung issues, leaving her on oxygen permanently, and Dyf had a heart attack three years ago. So it was all the more relieving to see them both in fair health now.
We got talking in seconds, and I made sure I apologised for my tardiness, and lack of contact, which I was immediately told not to be silly. I almost instantly felt like no time at all had passed, and after catching up on personal matters, we were soon putting the world right with our current affairs discussions.
I can't explain how important this was to me, and how good it makes me feel to know I have mended the connection, and we are able to speak again. They are a very important couple to me, and I will forever be thankful for what they did for Joan all those years ago.
Love to you both.