Letting the train take the strain
Published: Tue, 10/24/17
I travelled back to Beverley from Epsom yesterday on the train. Every stage ran exactly on time and it was all very relaxed and pleasant. Okay, the last stage from Hull to Beverley was pretty crowded because the time was 5pm and people we going home from work. Which is what the train is there for, so no point in moaning about that. On the Virgin East Coast service I had a double seat to myself and managed about 30 minutes sleep before I had to wake up and show my ticket. Okay, train journeys can be a nightmare, but being stuck in a traffic jam on the M1 isn’t my idea of fun either. So, credit where it is due and public transport can be a great way of getting around. I am certainly not as tired today as I would have been if I had driven back yesterday.
I was in Epsom because I had been supporting my mother again for a few days (and taking the strain off my sister who is the one that lives nearest). This coming Friday is my Uncle’s memorial service and my mother is in a dilemma as to whether or not she should go. On one hand I am willing to take her and bring her back. On the other hand she is aware that she really isn’t really physically and mentally capable of coping with the combination of the event and the travelling there and back. I think my mother will accept that my sister and I can represent the family without her but the situation can’t help be be distressing.
I also found out that I won’t be able to contribute to the service directly with my own tribute to my Uncle. Time is obviously limited so I will be in the congregation, but no more. What I wanted to say about my Uncle came to me as soon as I had made my offer, so I wrote it up anyway and sent it to my cousin who will be giving his tribute. He says he will include some of my points. If anyone wants to read what I wrote the link is below. It was written with people who knew Dr Willis well in mind, but you should be able to piece the background together. The point I am hoping to make is that our ancestors make us who we are. Some, like my Uncle Geoffrey did on me, have a profound influence because of who they were. One of the basic misunderstandings about the Northern Tradition is what is actually meant by ‘Gods’? The Aesir and Vanir are actually seen as ancestors who have made us who we are and given us something to live up to.
Here is the link to my tribute to my uncle if you are interested in reading it http://www.screencast.com/t/c8exwjTDYB
regards
Graham
PS Date for your diary. On the 8th to 10th June 2018, I will be hosting and teaching at a martial arts training event with three other instructors who are friends of mine and who I greatly respect as both as teachers and as people. We are still thrashing out the details but this event is going to be a chance to learn stuff that you won’t find anywhere else. I should be posting more details online within the next week.