Another lot of Alps nonsense
Discussion
Thanks for the thread.
Hi. Apologies for the self indulgence but I wanted to catch up after so many people expressed their condolences.
Mum's funeral was on Friday, it was a beautiful day and the service was both very moving and uplifting. She is buried next to Sharon, who she loved, with a tree planted between them. I have purchased eight plots so there will always be lots of green around them, I don't want them crowded in.
When I got back into the country she was in Basildon hospital having tests, still feeling very tired but otherwise no other symptoms. They were convinced at this point that she had an infection somewhere but were unable to track it down, they had started her on a course of general anti-biotics while they did deeper tests.
She was comfortable and we were sure they'd have her back on her feet.
A few days later however we were called in to speak to a consultant who said that following some scans they had discovered cancer, a great deal of it, lungs, liver, back, throat etc.
They were amazed that she hadn't shown other signs. We had to break it to her that morning and she took the news with immense bravery and courage. She was struggling to talk at this point but she pulled me close to say that she'd had a good life.
I desperately wanted to get her home but they said it couldn't be done, it was a matter of days and while there was nothing the could do for her it would be too much to move her.
Mercifully she felt little pain and a couple of days later slipped into a deep sleep. We were called in early one morning as it seemed 'imminent, any time now'.
But she was made of strong stuff.
They gave us a very quiet side room and me and my sister sat with her for 26 hours while she slept on, eventually passing very peacefully.
We were aware of it as it happened and were able to hold her and tell her we loved her as she went. This was hugely important for me as due to Covid I couldn't be with Sharon at the end, she died alone and I can never reconcile that after so long together.
Mum was a War child who grew up on the Isle of Dogs. She lived in Brassey House off Cahir Street near the Docks and a few years ago I took her back there to visit.
We went up to the top floor where their flat had been, tiny, no heating and a washroom and toilet shared with 5 other families.
The Docks were close and had been a target of the Luftwaffe during the Blitz. She was one of 9 children and she said that in the confusion during a raid she would often grab her baby sister, run down to the shelters and sit holding her tight, listening to the bombs pounding the ground above.
She was six years old.
She'd never told me this before and it gave me a greater understanding of the incredible courage and stoicism children growing up in that era had.
So I've lost both the loves of my life now and like many others I just have to make the best of it.
Thank you once more for all of the interest shown to my ludicrous journeys and everybody's kind thoughts.
I hope to go again next year and will try to do something worth documenting, and however pointless and frivolous it is I hope it brings a smile along the way, god knows we need it.
Love you Mum.
Mum's funeral was on Friday, it was a beautiful day and the service was both very moving and uplifting. She is buried next to Sharon, who she loved, with a tree planted between them. I have purchased eight plots so there will always be lots of green around them, I don't want them crowded in.
When I got back into the country she was in Basildon hospital having tests, still feeling very tired but otherwise no other symptoms. They were convinced at this point that she had an infection somewhere but were unable to track it down, they had started her on a course of general anti-biotics while they did deeper tests.
She was comfortable and we were sure they'd have her back on her feet.
A few days later however we were called in to speak to a consultant who said that following some scans they had discovered cancer, a great deal of it, lungs, liver, back, throat etc.
They were amazed that she hadn't shown other signs. We had to break it to her that morning and she took the news with immense bravery and courage. She was struggling to talk at this point but she pulled me close to say that she'd had a good life.
I desperately wanted to get her home but they said it couldn't be done, it was a matter of days and while there was nothing the could do for her it would be too much to move her.
Mercifully she felt little pain and a couple of days later slipped into a deep sleep. We were called in early one morning as it seemed 'imminent, any time now'.
But she was made of strong stuff.
They gave us a very quiet side room and me and my sister sat with her for 26 hours while she slept on, eventually passing very peacefully.
We were aware of it as it happened and were able to hold her and tell her we loved her as she went. This was hugely important for me as due to Covid I couldn't be with Sharon at the end, she died alone and I can never reconcile that after so long together.
Mum was a War child who grew up on the Isle of Dogs. She lived in Brassey House off Cahir Street near the Docks and a few years ago I took her back there to visit.
We went up to the top floor where their flat had been, tiny, no heating and a washroom and toilet shared with 5 other families.
The Docks were close and had been a target of the Luftwaffe during the Blitz. She was one of 9 children and she said that in the confusion during a raid she would often grab her baby sister, run down to the shelters and sit holding her tight, listening to the bombs pounding the ground above.
She was six years old.
She'd never told me this before and it gave me a greater understanding of the incredible courage and stoicism children growing up in that era had.
So I've lost both the loves of my life now and like many others I just have to make the best of it.
Thank you once more for all of the interest shown to my ludicrous journeys and everybody's kind thoughts.
I hope to go again next year and will try to do something worth documenting, and however pointless and frivolous it is I hope it brings a smile along the way, god knows we need it.
Love you Mum.
I think that we all live vicariously through you and by the same token, we all stand beside you and grieve for your losses.
Would have been my wife’s 52nd birthday today and our 25th wedding anniversary tomorrow but she left us 9 years ago now, so I have some idea what you have been going through.
Would have been my wife’s 52nd birthday today and our 25th wedding anniversary tomorrow but she left us 9 years ago now, so I have some idea what you have been going through.
It’s always hard saying goodbye Brad but at least you and your sister were with your Mam when she passed.
I was “fortunate” that my wife and I were with both my mam and dad when they passed - again they had a good long healthy happy life so it’s a bit easier to accept.
My wife lost her Mam and dad in their 60’s and wasn’t with them when they passed and I think it still haunts her that we weren’t there - that’s life unfortunately.
I can’t imagine not being with my wife when the time comes so my heart goes out to you.
Stay strong and dedicate next years trip to your partner and Mam.
I was “fortunate” that my wife and I were with both my mam and dad when they passed - again they had a good long healthy happy life so it’s a bit easier to accept.
My wife lost her Mam and dad in their 60’s and wasn’t with them when they passed and I think it still haunts her that we weren’t there - that’s life unfortunately.
I can’t imagine not being with my wife when the time comes so my heart goes out to you.
Stay strong and dedicate next years trip to your partner and Mam.
Oh Brad, properly feeling for you mate.
Genuine thoughts and good wishes your way, and always around for a beer if you're heading Goodwood way (indeed, tickets to Members Meet are on me if you're free).
The stories of your mum remind me of my folks (I was raised by my grandparents), especially the 'going back'.
If I can have a moment of indulgence - here's mine:
Gran had passed, with me holding her hand as she did. Think that brought solace to my grandad who wasn't physically strong enough to be there in the hospital.
Fast forward a year or so, and he'd been properly depressed the whole time. Understandable - in 52 years they'd never slept in different beds, now he went to bed on his own every night.
Took him to Revival. Took a lot of persuading. He'd been raised in a children's home in Camden in the 30s, kicked out on his 13th birthday. That day, he got an apprenticeship at a garage...
Walked past Racing Green, who had a couple of restored/converted Bentley 4 1/2 litres. He mentioned his old 'trick', moving them in period in and out of the garage every day. Rather than set the hand throttle, then getting out and cranking the starter lever - he'd stay sat in the driver's seat and flick the advance/retard lever back and forth. One cylinder would spark - and it'd still have the 'charge' in the cylinder from when it was shut down ("proper engineering in those engines, lad") - and that'd fire up the engine as it kicked over.
The boys at Racing Green treated him like royalty that day. One of the last times I saw him with his impish smile (the other, when I brought the girl home I'd been seeing, and he flirted with her the entire time). She's sat next to me now, some 15 years later...
All the very best chap, and if I might suggest - next year, go somewhere new without the same emotion attached.
How about a trip over the north of the continent, up to Denmark/Norway?
Genuine thoughts and good wishes your way, and always around for a beer if you're heading Goodwood way (indeed, tickets to Members Meet are on me if you're free).
The stories of your mum remind me of my folks (I was raised by my grandparents), especially the 'going back'.
If I can have a moment of indulgence - here's mine:
Gran had passed, with me holding her hand as she did. Think that brought solace to my grandad who wasn't physically strong enough to be there in the hospital.
Fast forward a year or so, and he'd been properly depressed the whole time. Understandable - in 52 years they'd never slept in different beds, now he went to bed on his own every night.
Took him to Revival. Took a lot of persuading. He'd been raised in a children's home in Camden in the 30s, kicked out on his 13th birthday. That day, he got an apprenticeship at a garage...
Walked past Racing Green, who had a couple of restored/converted Bentley 4 1/2 litres. He mentioned his old 'trick', moving them in period in and out of the garage every day. Rather than set the hand throttle, then getting out and cranking the starter lever - he'd stay sat in the driver's seat and flick the advance/retard lever back and forth. One cylinder would spark - and it'd still have the 'charge' in the cylinder from when it was shut down ("proper engineering in those engines, lad") - and that'd fire up the engine as it kicked over.
The boys at Racing Green treated him like royalty that day. One of the last times I saw him with his impish smile (the other, when I brought the girl home I'd been seeing, and he flirted with her the entire time). She's sat next to me now, some 15 years later...
All the very best chap, and if I might suggest - next year, go somewhere new without the same emotion attached.
How about a trip over the north of the continent, up to Denmark/Norway?
pincher said:
I think that we all live vicariously through you and by the same token, we all stand beside you and grieve for your losses.
Would have been my wife’s 52nd birthday today and our 25th wedding anniversary tomorrow but she left us 9 years ago now, so I have some idea what you have been going through.
I echo this.Would have been my wife’s 52nd birthday today and our 25th wedding anniversary tomorrow but she left us 9 years ago now, so I have some idea what you have been going through.
Over the years, I have really enjoyed your adventures, Brad, and yes, I too lived vicariously, in the telling of your stories.
Just as I do now, and my heart goes out to you.
I think this is the first time I've actually felt this way on PH, but right now, I wish I could give proper hug, for what little that's worth.
Good grief people. I've just had a good cry reading through these responses.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken the time to reply and to share their stories. I wish you all well and hope life brings you all you deserve.
Your thoughts and words really do help, I've had an awful 18 months and sometimes the darkness closes in but the feelings expressed in these threads genuinely shines in light.
The goodness in people (indeed, in total strangers) never ceases to amaze me. I don't post here much these days but f
k PistonHeads is a good place.
I am constantly surprised that my meandering journeys and ridiculous takes engage with so many here. Buying and running supercars these days can be a bit of a trial and I often wonder why I bother but just the responses I get to these trips makes it worthwhile.
I talk a lot of nonsense, mess up just about everything I attempt and usually miss the point of things entirely and yet I get only positivity from the poor bds who I drag along with me!
Thank you again. I am always pleased that it brings some pleasure to the readers and my own grief and loss has been greatly tempered by the love shown here.
I need to shut up now.
Thanks, to everyone.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken the time to reply and to share their stories. I wish you all well and hope life brings you all you deserve.
Your thoughts and words really do help, I've had an awful 18 months and sometimes the darkness closes in but the feelings expressed in these threads genuinely shines in light.
The goodness in people (indeed, in total strangers) never ceases to amaze me. I don't post here much these days but f
k PistonHeads is a good place.I am constantly surprised that my meandering journeys and ridiculous takes engage with so many here. Buying and running supercars these days can be a bit of a trial and I often wonder why I bother but just the responses I get to these trips makes it worthwhile.
I talk a lot of nonsense, mess up just about everything I attempt and usually miss the point of things entirely and yet I get only positivity from the poor b
ds who I drag along with me! Thank you again. I am always pleased that it brings some pleasure to the readers and my own grief and loss has been greatly tempered by the love shown here.
I need to shut up now.
Thanks, to everyone.
br d said:
…my meandering journeys and ridiculous takes…
Buying and running supercars these days can be a bit of a trial and I often wonder why I bother…
I talk a lot of nonsense, mess up just about everything I attempt and usually miss the point of things entirely…
I think you’ve just described precisely why we all enjoy your posts Buying and running supercars these days can be a bit of a trial and I often wonder why I bother…
I talk a lot of nonsense, mess up just about everything I attempt and usually miss the point of things entirely…
br d said:
Good grief people. I've just had a good cry reading through these responses.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken the time to reply and to share their stories. I wish you all well and hope life brings you all you deserve.
Your thoughts and words really do help, I've had an awful 18 months and sometimes the darkness closes in but the feelings expressed in these threads genuinely shines in light.
The goodness in people (indeed, in total strangers) never ceases to amaze me. I don't post here much these days but fk PistonHeads is a good place.
I am constantly surprised that my meandering journeys and ridiculous takes engage with so many here. Buying and running supercars these days can be a bit of a trial and I often wonder why I bother but just the responses I get to these trips makes it worthwhile.
I talk a lot of nonsense, mess up just about everything I attempt and usually miss the point of things entirely and yet I get only positivity from the poor bds who I drag along with me!
Thank you again. I am always pleased that it brings some pleasure to the readers and my own grief and loss has been greatly tempered by the love shown here.
I need to shut up now.
Thanks, to everyone.
I think your openness, honesty, ability to take yourself not too seriously, and the ability to spin a good tale is really engaging. It's hard not to get personally involved in your trips and being along for the ride during your ups and downs. You seem like a terrific bloke, who has had some terrible losses recently, but I really hope one day to bump into you in a bar somewhere in the mountains and we can have some beers, talk about cars and have and a bit of a laugh. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken the time to reply and to share their stories. I wish you all well and hope life brings you all you deserve.
Your thoughts and words really do help, I've had an awful 18 months and sometimes the darkness closes in but the feelings expressed in these threads genuinely shines in light.
The goodness in people (indeed, in total strangers) never ceases to amaze me. I don't post here much these days but f
k PistonHeads is a good place.I am constantly surprised that my meandering journeys and ridiculous takes engage with so many here. Buying and running supercars these days can be a bit of a trial and I often wonder why I bother but just the responses I get to these trips makes it worthwhile.
I talk a lot of nonsense, mess up just about everything I attempt and usually miss the point of things entirely and yet I get only positivity from the poor b
ds who I drag along with me! Thank you again. I am always pleased that it brings some pleasure to the readers and my own grief and loss has been greatly tempered by the love shown here.
I need to shut up now.
Thanks, to everyone.
All the best and to next year....
prand said:
I really hope one day to bump into you in a bar somewhere in the mountains and we can have some beers, talk about cars and have and a bit of a laugh.
I hope to be in the mountains at a random bar and see a random guy turning a bin upside down before walking out and be left wondering whether I'd just dreamt it... Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff