Brief Diversion


I got off the train before Margate and slightly at a loss, found myself in Broadstairs.
I wasn't there long.
I walked to the cliff top and realised quite suddenly that I didn't really need to be around old memories and a past life
So I said a goodbye, and went on to Margate.
The man at the hotel reception booked a taxi for me to get to the crematorium on time and told me that the Turner Centre opened at 10 am .
He was kind but looked harassed,
Someone had stolen his hanging baskets

46 comments:

  1. Stolen hanging baskets? See. I told you that Margate was like Rhyl!

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  2. I know that feeling when it hits. Nothing very nice at all except all part of a journey.

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  3. You there for the weekend then? Hope all goes well. Daft thing to say, but you know what I mean.

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    1. I couldn't afford the cost of the trains tomorrow

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    2. Oh forgot, it's Margate.

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  4. Always best not to stir up painful memories.

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    1. But best to lay them to rest on your own terms eh?

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  5. Trains in Kent - you can see why there's no money left for the North.

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  6. For a moment I was expecting a tale of you purchasing new underwear, but then I remembered you recently bought your quota for the decade.

    Sending you a hug x

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    1. Yes two pairs a year IS excessive

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    2. After all you always managed easily with one pair

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    3. Actually I always needed a spare

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    4. Prince Skidmark of Trelawnyd

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  7. It will get better.
    parsnip xx

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  8. Bravo. And a hug in any underwear.

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  9. Hugs.
    And how glad I am that the man at reception could be kind despite his own troubles.

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  10. You were wise to recognize what you don't (or do) need, and simply leave. Tomorrow I hope you are as caring of yourself. Remember what you're there for, a tribute to a man that is no longer alive, you aren't going in order to impress anyone. Should things feel awkward or difficult for you at any point in time, you are free to step outside, consider if you want to go back in or leave. Doing the right thing includes taking care of yourself, just taking the trip and making an appearance will have been more than enough for you to feel good about it all going forward. Be as gentle with yourself as I wish everyone would be with you, xxoo - Mary

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  11. That was then this is now. Hope everything goes as well as it can. And don't forget to give some of your kindness to yourself as well. You are fantastic with everyone else now time to be careful of yourself "a little selfishness" for your own preservation never hurt. Its just that when you are a giver it does not come naturally. Tomorrow is another day brave heart. Hugs Pattypan xx

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  12. countrygal10:35 pm

    You are doing the right, but brave, thing to do. You won't regret it - ever. Chin up, pay respects and walk away. Your new life awaits... xx

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  13. Mourn the man you knew and the past and move along. Best wishes to you.
    I think Margate is a going to have a rebirth. It also has the best fish and chips I ever had.

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  14. Good on you for recognizing that you did not need to revisit old memories in Broadstairs a true awakening well done. Chin up just get through the day.

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  15. Sounds like a point of closure, finding those are important to reach.

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  16. You're a good man, John, and the old man appreciated it.

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  17. A person who knows himself and what is best or hurtful for himself has a gift.

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  18. I hope it all goes to plan John, realising when to move on is a good thing.

    Jo in Auckland

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  19. I believe that in another place, Richard will know that you have made this uncomfortable journey because you loved and respected him, and you will love and respect yourself for making it. You're not on your own there are dozens of blog friends 'with you' and wishing you well, who respect you for going.

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  20. An emotional day for you.

    Stealing hanging baskets beggars belief.

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  21. Thinking of you today John x

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  22. Anonymous7:31 am

    Hi hun, *hugs* for today.goldensunflower x

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  23. Sometimes it's good to go briefly to a place you thought you still loved and lay the past to rest. I did something very similar last week. A 'goodbye' visit to a place that held a special place in your heart and past helps to set the future in motion.

    Hope all goes well today. Xx

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    1. Yes sue, a laying to rest on my terms

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    2. In a completely different context, I thought that I wanted to visit an old place to see how I felt about it so I 'visited' it on Google Earth. I had a good look around the streets and saw the places that held memories. I don't need to go there in person now, it's done.

      Wishing you well today John.

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  24. Hope all goes as well as it can and then you can leave it behind and go forward. Sending you a hug.

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  25. Be there with dignity and remembering a friend passed.

    Glad the receptionist could help..but so sad about his hanging baskets..something that costs little in time and money to make

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  26. I'm thinking of you today, laying many things to rest xxx

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  27. And be sure not to let anything upset you.

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  28. Thinking of you. You’re a good man... There, I’ve sad it again. I hate when someone I don’t know messes with my basket.

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  29. You always spoke very kindly of your ex-mother-in-law so I do hope she will respect you for attending the funeral and greet you kindly.

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  30. Who steals hanging baskets?! Honestly.

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