Me: It was lovely down on the beach, wasn’t it?
Nell: It always is.
Me: I thought the sky reflected what we’re going through at the moment.
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: Light and shade. A huge grey cloud on one side and blue sky on the other.
Nell: I see.
Me: The grey cloud is our fear for Alex and the blue sky is our joy in spending time together.
Nell: It’s a strange mixture of emotions.
Me: Alex is still fighting and the consultant said it’s a good sign that she is still with us.
Nell: They are doing everything they can.
Me: But if she pulls through, the way back is going to be a long one and things may never be the same.
Nell: We will deal with all of that together.
Me: All three of her children are by her side.
Nell: They are.
Me: And I know what a comfort that is. Having the whole family here has been wonderful.
Nell: It has. David is going to struggle with Chris and Shannon leaving today.
Me: He loves all the attention. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: I’ve tried to explain to him that they can’t stay. Their home is in Canada with Marvin.
Me: It’s hard for him to accept. Faye is going to miss Shannon terribly. They’ve really bonded.
Nell: The good thing is that they’ll be back in the summer.
Me: Yes.
Nell: And Alice and the children are here with us for another week.
Me: Such a precious time.
Nell: Yes. Family is everything.
Me: It really is. In times like this love is what keeps you going.
Nell: There’s plenty of that to go around.
Me: There is.
Nell: So, let’s concentrate on the blue sky.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
