We have returned

The three-week complete change of life is over.

We left for Cornwall at about 6pm on Sunday 8th Feb and arrived on Monday 9th at 8am. Our reason for going was that my Uncle Stuart was in hospital after a heart attack and with my Aunty Margaret needing 24x7 care it was way too much for my cousin on her own.

Stuart had stents fitted, then caught Covid, then had a pacemaker fitted, but it was all too much for his kidneys, lungs and heart. He chose palliative care and passed away peacefully on Friday 20th. My cousin was with him, and he had said goodbyes to the family.

He died as he lived, full of faith and love. His funeral will be later this month followed by a service of thanksgiving at the Chapel that they have supported for so many years (as did my grandparents).

Meanwhile, while we were caring for Margaret and realising how much her dementia had progressed we were trying to help sort things out for a future that kept changing. We had some nice times out with her in Fowey, Mevagissey and Charlestown plus the round trips to the hospital in Truro. In the end the best option for her and everyone else was residential care. With short notice, a place became available in the village and yesterday (Sat 28th Feb) we were able to support my cousin moving her into a new home.

We were delighted to be welcomed by M who had specifically asked to be the staff member to welcome Margaret. She had been to the Chapel Sunday School. Stuart had taken the funeral for her Nan and she knew the wider family. It really felt a relief to see that Margaret had a nice room with a sea view amidst the community they have been part of since before I was born.

They had been married for over 62 years. We have so many wonderful memories of times spent with them, especially sailing (now someone else will need to come last in the Wednesday evening races). We remembered together a trip from Fowey to Falmouth during regatta week, Stuart, Margaret and 4 children crammed into their Nicholson 26 - Windjoy. On the way back we did get caught in the Dodman Point tidal race which was pretty unpleasant.

If you watch our video of our Hirondelle cruise in 2002 at 7m 25s you can watch the video Stuart made of our entry into Fowey.

What's next?

In less than a week we have to be ready to celebrate certain persons 60th birthday 😀 (Jane that is).

Before then, we are starting the forecabin insulation, finishing off everything related to the electric motor and sorting out our container storage. We will also be back to the frequent video updates.

While we were away I made a little progress on our DIY sailing instruments. A sneak peek: