My Life on a Plate

Uncle Jack

I find it strange I mentioned how my uncle said it's a good job we don't know what the future holds in my blog the day before I received my bombshell.

My Uncle Jack is someone I feel is always watching over me somehow. He wasn't blood-related and he lived a fair distance away from me but I loved him to pieces. He was Scottish, a gentleman, loved my mother's sister faithfully and although they never had chidren I believe he considered me almost his own.

He wrote poignant and often hilarious poetry and in later life when everything went belly up told us 'Never lose your sense of humour son.' When he knew he was dying he went out and bought whisky, chocolates and Playboy magazines. His beloved wife was already in a home, a victim of Alzheimers but he still impressed the importance of laughing in the face of adversity.

I try to take his philosophy on board so I give you a recent conversation with my parents who live in La La land.

Mother 'What's the date today?'

Me 'November 11th - Armistace Day' Pregnant poise.

Mother 'That rings a bell.'

Me 'Yes mother, it's your wedding anniversary too.'

Mother to Father 'Oh did you know it's our wedding anniversary?'

Father 'What?' Hearing aid gone AWOL again.

Mother 'IT'S OUR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.'

Father 'Oh How many years?'

Mother 'I can't remember. Do you know?'

Father 'Pardon?' Sheesh

Me '62 years of wedded bliss.' RAFL

'Mother 'Well there was a war on when we got married you know,'

Me 'And you two have kept it alive and well for 62 years.'

Pause

Mother 'It's not been all bad you know, Your father and I have been through a lot.'

Father 'Yes, but we were just too idle to get a divorce.'

This morning I delivered their shopping as always on Monday. My mother went into a frenzy about maybe being charged for the packet of peanuts I bought my dad. So important in the great scheme of things.

My Uncle Jack was right. Never lose your sense of humour. If I can retain mine I will prevent my son from having to meet his mum in La La land and he will know whatever happens we can one day laugh about it.