Such a long time since writing. Well, a lot has happened since my last posting. Then I was in the middle of my Seville adventure (well, adventure my my standards, anyway!) Halfway through I was called home. My dear old Mum's health had taken a sharp downturn and it was thought best that I cut my Spanish sojourn short. At 83, Mum wasn't in the best of health, though being of good strong stock, she stoically carried on as best as she could. She is pictured at our house on Christmas Day 2007, a month before she died. I arrived home around midnight on the Friday and was able to be with Mum when she breathed her last on the Sunday evening. There were nine of us around her bed when she died, and a tenth , a tangible presence called Love, was there too. In spite of our sadness, there has been a subtle joy to be had, too. A family, too long busy with their own lives, has been rediscovered. We have been learning how to love each other all over again. Not that we didn't love each other, but it is so easy to take each other for granted. Mum has brought us all closer.
So, a rather surreal few weeks and, of course, I have the problem of my course. College has been very supportive. Indeed, I cannot speak highly enough of my tutors both here and in Seville. I will be able to make up my lost days at the end of the course and, God willing, I will be able to graduate with my friends. I have been deeply touched by the support from friends and colleagues.
With an eye to the future, I start the attachment days at my new school. I am looking forward to it, as it is a contrasting experience. It is in the city centre, it has a high representation of children from minority ethnic groups. It received an outstanding report from its last OFSTED inspection and it comes highly recommended. I hope and pray that I can do it justice. I have a Year 2 class which, I hope, will be a lot of fun.
That's me, caught up...
