I’ve had three awful days…I could barely move and didn’t leave the house…today I felt better.

I decided to take our dog, Oli, for a walk on a park where I spent most of my youth. It was just at the top of our road. I recall summers spent making up games, lying on the fresh cut grass..feeding the peacocks!..and watching the bowling, cricket and football that was enjoyed by many.

But my most favourite was the make believe games played on, around and under the stone bridge that led to the duck pond.

So many hours…one stone was the bedroom…another a table for lunch..yet another a playroom….but all beautiful, warm and comfortable..at least in our imagination.

I’d leave the house early morning…going back home only when my tummy told me to..then right back out. Beautiful summers filled with joy.

On my return today I found the two ends of the bridge intact…but no longer a bridge for me to cross..a wave of sadness washed over me. However, our stone house was intact..the stones looked so small..but I guess I’ve grown!

I dipped under the rail and explored the playground of my youth..what joy we had..what fun..our imaginations taking us wherever we desired. I’m still smiling. Juat being there has filled me with a sense of the familiar, of peace, comfort and happiness. How amazing that after over 40 yrs a pile of stones can elicit such a sense of calm and contentment.