Three Lighthouses
In what world is this fair?
Our community feels heavy. A little boy has lost his life. In the week leading up to the Lammas Fair, with huge lorries bringing amusements and rollercoasters into our town, tourists queuing for ice cream & enjoying the sea air we have palpable grief. I didn’t know this little boy but everyday I pass the new school campus being built, bringing together two long-divided communities into one shared education space. On Tuesday morning I gasped as tears rolled down my cheeks; this little boy will never step into this space, never get to experience secondary school, nevermind finishing primary school. I drive down to the bakery in Ballycastle to pick up milk and other bits to open up our little takeaway in Ballintoy & my lovely friend has tied a Carey cape (Joe’s team) round our bear sign outside the cafe. A little nod of respect to a boy so full of life and love for his little world, instantly taken after a tragic accident. The tears fall steadily now. I didn’t know Joe but I desperately want to hug his parents.
Acts of Love (a non-exhaustive list)
A cup of tea brought to me in bed (I do Sunday, he does Monday)
A recommendation for a short podcast with one of my favourites (Keith Brymer-Jones) on learning to cry which he knows I will find super-interesting
A hug and being held/squeezed for a little while.
Cooking gnocchi from scratch even when I insist shop bought will be just fine.
Buying essentials for the house (toothpaste, toilet roll, washing up liquid and chocolate pistachios; an essential in my eyes) without being asked.
Emptying the dishwasher and hanging a wash (my children have stepped up this summer although accidents still happen)…see my Google search below:
Listening, truly listening to my worries, thoughts, hopes and fears (I reciprocate the listening; a skill I’m still working on).
Summer ending
On Monday I took Hannah to Portrush as she wanted to try an açai bowl. It wouldn’t be my first choice but this time of year, the lead up to the Lammas Fair and the purchasing of school uniforms (a new one for Hannah to mark the two schools merging in the near future as mentioned above) always marks the end of summer and the feeling that time is running out. On the drive over we listen to Becky Hill’s set list (we are going to see her in October in Glasgow). We sing loudly and I frequently get the words wrong. In between songs we talk about Normal People. Hannah has started watching the TV adaptation of the amazing Sally Rooney novel. Whilst I worry that some of the content is perhaps too adult for her I think overall it’s a worthwhile watch for a 14 year old. We discuss our favourite characters (Connell’s friend Niall and his mum too; mum goals!) We discuss our dislike of Jamie; Hannah declares small man syndrome; I try to be more balanced stating that nobody could compete with Connell and Marianne’s connection but ultimately concede that he is a bit of a dickhead. She is struggling with the harrowing Sweden episode but I tell her to persevere so she can relish the second Christmas episode when (spoiler alert!) Connell brings Marianne home for a proper family Christmas. I cherish these moments in the car with either my son or daughter. Staring straight ahead and chatting really brings us closer. In the end I opted for overnight oats over an açai bowl in Portrush. Frankly I could have made better myself and it would have been way cheaper but I don’t mind really; the car journey there made up for it.
