1944

Was a very good year! It was the year many of the members of the Ladies Section at Stratford Oaks Golf Club (including yours truly!) were born. This picture may show one of the highlights for most people, but for my parents it was the birth of their firstborn – me! My father was not at the birth unfortunately, but, according to his military record, my birthday, April 22nd, was also the date he got his commission, from Flight Sergeant to Flight Lieutenant. An officer and a father on the same day. I can only imagine the party in the Mess that night. This is not my Dad, but it is the right vintage. His wings would have have been half ones only, though, with an N for navigator.  Seventy years later the 1944 ladies are going to celebrate with a round of golf at another local club, and a meal. With so many of us we really have to mark the occasion.

Seriously though, it never fails to surprise me how much younger seventy year olds are than previous generations. It is a given that we can still do the things we have always done, and if, for any reason (normal, not age-related illness for example) we can’t we feel thoroughly let down. I am still in the process of blood tests etc. for some sort of ailment which really irritates me! Getting things done through the NHS is not a task for anyone who is not in rude health! You need to push and shove, and keep on pushing and shoving. The NHS does not seem to be set up to follow through. When I need something in 3 months it is beyond their capabilities to set a computer prompt, I have to ring up and make the relevant appointments. Then ring up to make sure I get the results of tests, and any relevant follow through. I do understand why those who can afford it opt to pay privately. I am getting there, but it is a hard grind.

Last weekend was Mothering Sunday. My three all remembered (thank you all!) which is nice. I remember so well  the day I became a mother for the first time. I remember shouting at my husband that he had better be satisfied with just the one. No way was I going through that again. Hmmm! See sentence number two! Nature is wonderful, it makes us forget until it’s too late to do anything about it! It is just so sad that my own mother is not here to see how her grandchildren are getting on. This is for all the mothers who aren’t here any more.