Farewell Auntie Jillian

Yesterday we celebrated Aunty Jillian's life with close family.  Due to the virus the funeral had to be small, which was sad for many who would have loved to have been there.  She touched so many lives it would have been a packed out house.    But actually, I think Auntie Jillian would have preferred a smaller one anyway.  And it was lovely and a very nice send-off to a wonderful woman.

 Everyone spoke so well.  The girls wrote a beautiful tribute of memories, Craig's Eulogy was fabulous and Natalie read a very fitting poem.  I also read a tribute on behalf of Aunty Janice who could not be there and it was lovely.  At the cemetery Aunty Andy performed a song which was brilliant (I wish I had pictures but was filming it).

 We went back to ONe Acre to share some memories on the veranda which was lovely.

Sebastian showing off his throwing skills.
We will all miss her so much but she will one through all the lovely memories and traditions she has left us with.

The Peirce Zoo

Well, yesterday I had a full-on meltdown when I saw that Phuket airport was closed until at least the end of June.  I just miss Lola and our home so much and cannot believe I will not see her for months and Thailand possibly ever again.  I am sure being overtired, the loss of Aunty Jillian, the worry about our upcoming future did not help but I cried like I have not cried in a long long time.  We were invited to go visit Robert and Rosette in the afternoon and I can tell you it took every ounce of politeness I have in me not to cancel at the last minute.  And I am so happy I did not.  What started off to be a horrible day turned out to be a brilliant one.  I think it was possibly the best day of Sebastian's life.   They have chickens, horses, dogs, a bunny rabbit, a parrot, he was so excited.  He clapped the entire time (new trick) and then took his first few steps (wobbly but still steps!).  It was just such a nice day and made me really appreciate all the things we do have.

 Luis showing Sebastian the horses.

 Andrew who is apparently ready to have one as well!

 I need a better photo of Frankie. The sweetest dog that looks exactly like an Ewok.

 The chickens

 He was so happy

 And the bunny was pretty amazing!

 Clapping all the time now.

I woke up feeling a little more positive but it comes in waves.  We will just take as it comes, like everyone else I suppose.  But we all had a great day yesterday.

My Two L's in Lockdown

I have gone on quite a bit about what I am doing in lockdown but have not really mentioned my two L's of recent.  While I am working at night Luis is working all day.  He is not only busy tutoring but also completing two University courses (and killing it I may add).  Of course, it is not all work and a lot of his time is also spent cooking and playing with Sebastian.

A typical day starts off with him our 'office'.  Basically, we have taken over Craig's whole house.  Both spare bedrooms, one working as a bedroom the other as an office.  The kitchen/living room is an obstacle course with all Sebastian's toys and well the fridge is stuffed full of baby and veggie products.

 Once he is finished he might enjoy a beverage of some sort, although to be fair we mostly enjoy a soda.

 His favourite part is Sebastian time...

...and we both enjoy a game or two.  Some mornings there is a beach trip but this is harder with our schedules so hopefully phase 3 of lockdown sees more beach time introduced.

 Lola is in Phuket waiting to be reunited with us.  In the meantime, she is with her number 1 pet sitters, and we have had some fantastic ones.  Without them, things would be very stressful and we are so happy she is there with them.

 She enjoys her road trips as she loves the car...

...and especially a walk down to the 711 to see her number one sausage vendor.  I think it is so funny that I never told the petsitters about this place and she somehow dragged them down to it and pretty much demanded a sausage.  Love my L's, happy to be here with one and cannot wait to see the other one as soon as I can.

First Mothers Day

Yesterday was clearly not how I thought my first Mother's Day would turn out.  Although to be honest we did end up celebrating one of the world's greatest mothers.  But I also did not want to let the day pass without speaking about it.  I did have a moment yesterday morning to reflect a bit on how happy and lucky I am to have such a fantastic son.  In recent years I had come to accept the fact that I might never celebrate this day and it was just amazing to have done so.  It has not been an easy road and I have struggled at times with being a mother.  I spent months thinking I was failing him or was unsure if he loved me.  I tormented myself a lot.  I now know this is not uncommon and also that he does, in fact, love me and I am a half-decent mum. 

Sebastian Henry, I adore being your mother.  Unfortunately for you when you get older I may, in fact, insist on you celebrating two Mother Days (there are some downfalls to carrying multiple citizenships)!  

Auntie Jillian

We are coming up to week 6 here in Barbados and although this is the place I call home and love there have been some challenges.  I have been working through the nights as Thailand is 11 hours ahead, Luis is studying and tutoring, Sebastian is moving fast and being on lockdown (anywhere) is not easy.  But I am so thankful that we are here and as much as I miss our home and Lola, I would not want to have been anywhere else these past weeks.  I am so thrilled that I had this time with one of the most important people in my life and even more elated that Sebastian had the chance to meet her as well.  From the minute we arrived Aunty Jillian chatted away with Sebastian and he chatted right back.  He loved checking for her in her room and seeing her every afternoon in her gallery as much as I did.  This morning, Mothers Day here, Natalie gave us the call we had all been expecting but dreading that she passed away. No matter how much you prepare yourself it is still hard to hear those words.  The loss is huge and will leave a gaping hole in many lives.  I cannot imagine flying into Barbados and not joining her for a glass of wine and catch up on her gallery.  She was a wonderful woman, a fantastic Aunty, and someone I will miss terribly.

I will treasure these photos.  Auntie Jillian, I will miss you and love you tremendously.

Back at the Beach

It has been 5 weeks since the beaches were closed and it was great to have a morning at the beach yesterday.  They are only open from 6am-9am but we will take it.  I do wonder why they are not open all day as they seem a little busier than normal.  But I am sure there is some logic.

Well worth the early morning start, well not an early morning for me but possibly for other people in our party.  And I should add here that this beach is busy for Barbados and as you can see there are not that many people!

Popsicle Fun

This little man makes this whole lockdown bearable and even joyful.  His love for life and all the simple things is contagious and well I am just so thankful for him. Today was his first popsicle.  So fun!

 As you may have guessed the popsicle was a hit.