Memories

Southwold Pier.

We ignored the weather and drove to the Suffolk coast today. This area at this time of year has poignant memories for us. For ten years our Quaker Meeting enjoyed a rewarding and relaxing weekend at Leiston Abbey, typically involving walks along the beach at Dunwich (where we also went today), and visits to Minsmere, Thorpeness, Southwold, Aldeburgh, etc.

When we were originally scouting places for this retreat weekend we visited Leiston with my parents. The day of that visit was the last I saw my father alive.

Many years later we brought my Mum to Southwold and we had a meal on the pier. She died peacefully at home on Mother's Day shortly afterwards.

This isn't a sad place for us - both deaths were just as they would have wanted - but this time and place will forever be wrapped up in those memories.