After Mum's death, Kathleen came round a lot more. She made sure we were eating properly and always listened if anyone needed someone to talk to. She was amazing, I don't know what state we'd have been in, if she hadn't have been there. It was a week or so after mums passing that Kath starting staying the nights. I was grateful for the company and it was as though she was living with me. So, after a few days , I asked her to move in properly. She agreed and brought over all her belongings. I know it's not tradition to do it until after you're married, but I carried her over the threshold.
It was a memorable moment for me and I couldn't wait for the wedding. But first we had a funeral to get through. I was devastated that I had not granted mum her wish to see me get married. It really affected me and I thought I would never forgive myself. Kathleen, Dad and I set about planning the funeral and a date was set for a few days time. It's strange how I'm looking forward to a funeral but I am. I guess I need the closure.
What with everything else going on, we've had the builders in again. Kathleen brought a large amount of money with her when she moved and she agreed to spend it on expanding the house. We now have a fully inhabitable second storey and plenty of privacy! There is still a lot of work to be done but it feels as though we are moving up in the world. It's a world apart from the tiny hut I grew up in!
Here is the front of the house, clearly it still needs decorating and there are a few windows missing on the right hand side, but I don't think it is looking too bad.
This is the upstairs landing with the balcony over the main hall down below. It's really dark upstairs at the moment because we ran out of money for lights! I'm sure we'll get some soon, Dad's nearly at the top of his sporting career now and he gets paid loads.
This is the master bedroom for me and Kathleen. Plans are to add a balcony on the outside with some patio doors which will be nice in Summer. I think this room is really grown-up and relaxing, Kathleen designed it beautifully. There is also an en-suite bathroom in similar beiges.
This is Dad's bedroom, it's a nautical themed double room with an en-suite. We need to add a few more nautical items when we have the money, it's a bit too plain for me at the moment. Dad seems like it though, or perhaps he's not paid much attention to it.
This is one of the twin rooms, we are building two more, but those are not finished yet. For now Harry has to make do with the kids room. I like this room a lot, perfect for future generations.
We also have a half decorated nursery for future little ones. Kathleen came up with the idea. She liked the thought of toddlers and babies having their own little safe space in the house and since she mentioned it, I like it too.
So our humble abode is moving on. There are still lots more things to be developed but we edge closer every day. I think a big change like this is exactly what we all needed to help us move on from Mums death.
I got some floor plans from the builders to show you where everything is placed.
So our humble abode is moving on. There are still lots more things to be developed but we edge closer every day. I think a big change like this is exactly what we all needed to help us move on from Mums death.
I got some floor plans from the builders to show you where everything is placed.
Above: Ground Floor
Below: Second Floor
Below: Second Floor