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The next time Pat called to see Edna she found her at the kitchen door, sat at the side of a large cardboard box.
‘What have you got there mum?’
‘It’s the last of the junk I used to keep in the back bedroom. I’ve emptied it. Every thing has gone. Either to the charity shop or the rubbish tip. I didn’t need it anymore. I just can’t decide on these last pieces.’
Surprised to learn about the changes Pat climbed the stairs to look into the room. It was completely bare, even the furniture had gone. She had suggested clearing the room before but mum had always insisted that the things in there couldn’t be thrown away. Returning to the kitchen she looked into the last box full of memorabilia.
‘David didn’t want you to throw everything away mum.’
‘I know but when I thought about it, he was right, I didn’t need lots of old furniture or the pots and worn out clothes that I would never wear again.’
‘What will you do with the room now?’
‘I hope David will decorate it for me. It’s going to be a hobby room. I sold the antique jewellery and I want to buy a new sewing machine or maybe a computer.’
‘Mum, don’t rush out and choose one. We can help. That computer class has a lot to answer for!’ she said showing her anxiety.
‘It’s been great. I’m a free woman again. I want to move on, not stay in the past. Where’s David got to? He is coming here straight from school, isn’t he?’
They chatted about how the teacher at the computer class would help to select a computer; the demise of the Post Office that would close down in five weeks time; the Sunday dinner that Edna would cook next weekend. Another thirty minutes passed and Pat decided she couldn’t wait for David any longer. He was overdue. She had just finished buttoning her coat when he walked in.
‘Where have you been?’ Edna and Pat asked the question in unison.
‘Calm down, calm down,’ David replied. He laughed, ‘I’ve had to see the Deputy Head about my project. It’s won some sort of prize.’
‘What do you mean, some sort of prize? What is it?’
‘History Project of the Year, it’s presented at the annual prize giving ceremony.’ He half smiled as though receiving it would be a chore. ‘Guess what Grandma,’ before she had chance to reply he enthusiastically announced, ‘they want you to be there!’
Taken aback Edna almost shouted, ‘Why me?’
‘It’s because they want to meet the best Grandma in the world. That’s why. Will you come? Please say you will.’ He suddenly noticed the big box. ‘You have been busy what’s in the box?’
Pat quickly explained the box contained the last remnants from the back bedroom.
‘Well done Grandma, can we look through this one and maybe save some of the things you can’t bare to part with. We could archive them in the attic.’
‘That’s a good idea,’ Edna smiled at the solution to her problem.
‘It must have taken a lot of your time emptying the bedroom. You look worn out,’ said Pat.
‘Time you had a holiday,’ suggested David.
‘No it’s not that, I’ve not been sleeping too well. I had a bit of an argument at the Post Office a few weeks ago and I can’t get it out of my mind.’ Edna told the story of Angela Taylor pushing in and the confrontation outside where she had been unusually nasty. Pat said she would make a cup of tea and suggested Edna should try to have a nap whilst they all watched the early evening TV.
With his mum making the tea David asked, ‘can’t you just forget it Grandma?’
‘I would if I could but it made me so mad with Angela and so disappointed with myself.’ She smiled knowing David would appreciate what she was about to say. ‘I even created a box in my mind to dump her in. I called it, People I Want to Forget. But do you know David that box seems to be full. I just can’t close the lid. The memories keep me awake.’
‘Why not just delete them Grandma? Throw them out. Take them to the rubbish tip,’ he said figuratively.
‘It doesn’t work. I’ve tried that.’
‘You could give the box another title,’ David suggested pensively.
‘Such as?’
‘What about People I Want to For…’
‘What are you two nattering on about?’ Pat said as she came back carrying a pot of tea. Before they had chance to answer she carried on speaking, ‘I’ve been thinking about your tussle with Angela Taylor and I’m really surprised that you didn’t think of the answer. I know it’s just like you to try to think the best of someone, why don’t you ….’
David interrupted,’ I did have a suggestion but you came in with the tea.
Pat gave her son a don’t-you-dare-interrupt-me stare. ‘I was about to say why don’t you forgive her.’
‘Mum,’ cried David, ‘that’s what I was about to say. Grandma call your box People I Want to Forgive.’
Edna laughed and agreed that it was a good idea. She sipped her tea as she quietly thought things through. Next time she met Angela, she would smile and suggest they have a cup of coffee and if she declined, she would forgive her knowing she had tried her best. Yes it solved her problem. David hadn’t been quite right but he had given her the idea. Having a box called Forgive and Forget made life a lot easier. She could now close the lid on the box and take down another called Treasured Memories. It had become her favourite, full of all the good things she had to be grateful for in life. She gradually drifted off to sleep.
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Golden Surfer Page 5
