Precious memories and coincidental connections

Maidstone day. One of the last, and it is getting tough to say farewell to stuff that comes with memories. An accident and road closure with a 2 hour delay on the trip there gave me time to process. 

J is just back from Crete, where Mum and Dad went for their silver wedding anniversary.  They brought back these jugs - coincidental connections - and it felt like Mum and Dad were with me. Then a letter drafted by Dad which said so much about his love for C (see extra). Just when the tears were ready to flow - a caring call from C no1. She had left something at home and returned to spend the afternoon WFH - a loving call to check on me on her drive home - she understands. Family connections, memories, and a tough job made easier. 

I took my time. Eventually, I was ready to leave as darkness fell and the timed lights came on. I met Colin and Lindsey on the drive and chatted to them for a bit before heading home. Back in the 1980s, when I first left that family home, on route to new adventures at Uni, I left my parents on the doorstep waving farewell, with a full car. I have a vivid memory of the storm clouds ahead as the heavens opened as I drove,  full of apprehension, with my stuff and tears running down my cheeks, to the West Midlands.  Now, leaving the family home for almost the last time, with a full car of precious memories, the storm clouds opened.  Biblical rain and thunderstorms and deep emotion accompanied my return to Maldon - coincidental connections.