Well I’m back in the UK after more than a month in the States. I arrived yesterday but was utterly thrown by jet-lag so I just went to bed. I awoke at silly o’clock this morning in total confusion as to where the heck in the world I was. It actually was really quite unnerving for about a minute.
My luggage has been lost again so I am luggageless once more. The lost luggage call centre told me in Indiglish that my lugge would be “arriving this morning thank you.” That would have been reassuring had it not been 12:50pm when they told me that. Eventually I managed to get through the the courier company who couldn’t locate my luggage and later I learned that they have also now lost it in Wales!
This might not be as bad had I not needed to repack my stuff and head to Essex where I’m going to be on hand for my brother for the next few days as his wife died suddenly last week. It seems so strange to write that, I never thought I’d be writing that kind of sentance until we were both old men. I find myself cursing the fact we live so far away from one another. In American terms we’re not far at all, but as anyone who has driven in the UK will tell you, the 250 miles between us is much different to 250 American road miles due to the motorways and traffic that will be on them. It’s easily a six hour drive.
I still have a couple of posts from my trip to make that will include some pictures. I’ll post them here retrospectively.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 3, 2006 at 11:50 am
I’m sorry to hear about your brother’s wife. It is good that you be available for him.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your posts about your visit to the States. You’ve seen some wondrous things that I, as a lifetime resident, have never had the opportunity to experience.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 3, 2006 at 12:32 pm
Simon, I’m real sorry to hear about your brother’s wife. Robyn and I will keep your family in our prayers.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 3, 2006 at 1:26 pm
When your title says ‘Back to Life’, what does it imply about where you were before? ^_^ Things will be okay. They always turn out okay.
On a completely selfish and unrelated note: I want more ‘Little Becky’ stuff! I’ve waited patiently for over a month. =D
Wrote the following comment on Oct 3, 2006 at 2:13 pm
Sorry to hear about your brother’s wife. Hope your time with him is good.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 3, 2006 at 2:48 pm
I can imagine how shocked you must be, and your brother as well, at the unexpected death of his wife. I am so sorry to hear that. I know your visit will mean a lot to him.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 4, 2006 at 10:27 am
I’m sorry to hear about your brother’s wife, I hope that the courier company found, or will find your luggage before you have to go to see him.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 4, 2006 at 6:15 pm
I am looking forward to more posts from you…you always keep me thinking! Death make us think about our own mortality, which can be good. My goal at the end of my life is to not have too many regrets or “should have, would have or could have’s.” I will be checking in…That’s a promise!
Wrote the following comment on Oct 4, 2006 at 7:24 pm
i think the Godless need angels more than the non- Godless (?). anyway. i don’t know how i could live my life without having some sort of religion. i’m glad you’re back, safe and sound. hopefully you have your luggage by now.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 5, 2006 at 12:03 am
Sorry to hear about your brothers wife. It’s always strange talking about the death of someone you know and strange the parts of them that you keep with you. I’ve still got my half-brothers mobile phone number in my phone even though he died a number of years ago. I just can’t bring myself to delete it as if I will be somehow letting go or deleting my memories of him. I wish you and your brother all the best. The best thing in the world when faced with this situation is to be with the living even if you feel your spirit is with the dead.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 5, 2006 at 12:06 pm
I’ve had that deleting a phone number experience too. It is very odd to do stuff like that. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to have to go through more than that.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 6, 2006 at 4:51 pm
Simon, I think you have bad Kharma. You lost your luggage coming to America, you lost your luggage leaving America, and the call center to inquire about your luggage are manned by gentlemen who speak Indiglish. Perhaps they should’ve asked you, “Pardon me sir, but have you done anything bad lately, is there a debt you owe to someone, did you take something belonging to someone without asking? You need to right your wrongs and then we will be able to locate your luggage. Thank you for flying with United”
Anyways, what can be said in light of your brother’s unexpected and sudden loss. Damn death for the horrible pain it causes!! I hope somehow your brother finds somekind of peace in the midst of unacceptable circumstances.