Me: That’s Chris with Baby Dave and Baby Harriet.
Nell: Yes, as it’s his birthday today I thought you might like to see these photos.
Me: Gosh. So much has happened since those photos were taken.
Nell: To be perfectly honest so much has happened in the last week.
Me: True. I can’t get my head around it all.
Nell: Then don’t try. Just stay home and stay safe and if you are in the garden wear sunglasses and a hard hat.
Me: Really?
Nell: Yes. The Beefies are throwing eggs. Gladys managed to catch one with her lacrosse stick.
Me: How can you catch an egg with a stick?
Nell: A lacrosse stick has a net on the end. Do keep up.
Me: I didn’t know Gladys played lacrosse.
Nell: Oh yes. She and Poppy are both in the Whippets Institute team.
Me: But they aren’t whippets.
Nell: Do you think Manchester United only have players from Manchester?
Me: When you put it like that.
Nell: Now, I’ve written a poem for Chris. Would you like to hear it?
Me: Yes, please.
Nell: ‘Happy Birthday dear Chris, I think it’s fair to say
That you will be having an odd sort of day.
You can’t party with friends, or go to the lake
But you have Marvin and Shannon
And there is definitely cake.
And even though Toronto is a long way away
We are with you in spirit on your special day.
Our paws are around you and we need you to know
That you are our Chris and we all love you so.
This too will pass.
It isn’t for ever.
Stay safe and stay strong
We are in this together.’
Me: We can do this, can’t we Nell?
Nell: We are doing it.
Me: Yes. Sorry.