SUZANNE'S RETURN TO ENGLAND . . .

Recently Suzanne was able to return to England and visit her folks and help them recover from a big disaster. Here's her account.

On the night of Monday June 6, 2016, the area around Dunstable, England experienced heavy rains with  severe run-off that flooded several areas of the town. Number 9, Derwent Drive, the home that I was raised in and where my parents still live was hit hard with flood waters pouring through the back garden and into the home.

Their beautiful back garden where the water came rushing through.

Number 9 on the right.

Much of the next several months were spent removing things that were ruined, letting other things dry out and then extensive reconstructing and redecorating. That work was done by professionals but then it was time to “put things back”. That would fall on my parents who are 82 and 89 years old. That is why I went for 2 weeks to help with that effort.

My parents are no longer able to come to the airport, so dear friends of theirs, Wyn and Vicky Johns, came to pick me up when I landed and took me home to Dunstable. 



Wyn took the scenic way home and I was able to once again, experience the beauty of the English countryside. We passed through villages with names such as Nettlebed, (I’ll let you guess why the village is called that!) Little Kimble, Tring, Little Missenden, Greater Missenden.   I miss the rolling hills, the green landscape, the farms and the fields of animals. It is beautiful. I was immediately mindful of the poem by Sir William Blake, entitled:

 Jerusalem

And did those feet in ancient times,

Walk upon England’s mountains green.

And was the holy Lamb of God

On England’s pleasant pastures seen.

It is well worth a read. Seeing that countryside, it was easy to see where Sir William Blake got his inspiration.

What I haven’t missed so much are the narrow roads and the drivers that pass in the lanes with just a hair breadth of space between them!

This is a two-way street.

When I arrived at my childhood home, my dad answered the door and I burst into tears! It had been 4 years since I had last seen him. My mum was in the living room and when I hugged her, the tears continued. I was able to spend the rest of the day just catching up and being fed delicious English food. Yes, its different from American fare. Sleeping that first night is always hard because of jet lag and time differences and body confusion but I was just so glad to be there that I didn’t care!

Monday morning we began what would be 2 weeks of sorting, straightening, replacing, building and cleaning. My parents are definitely not as mobile as they used to be, understandably, so I was really glad to be there to help. Mum and dad had many things that they wanted to get done and we were able to get it all done. Each day, I made sure that I got out and walked in the early morning. It helped to get the bod moving and loosen up the muscles. During those walks, I loved the early morning mists, walking some of the old neighborhoods that I remembered from my childhood and enjoying those beautiful sunrises.

Sunrise in Dunstable.

Every day I had a chance to clear out a little more of the garage, put back some furniture, sort out some drawer or cabinet. I also loved the trips to the grocery store, the department store, a trip to see my elderly aunt and uncle and a Sunday at church at my old ward. I had forgotten how different the stores are and even had a hard time with the currency at first! I never expected that! I also found that my British accent got a lot stronger when I was around both my parents and the general public. One of the cashiers in the grocery store could not believe that I had lived outside of the country for as long as I have. My aunt and uncle live in a different county, about an 80 minute drive each way. My mum still drives as she is most comfortable in the car. She drives like a Boss! Whipping along those country roads, rocking that stick shift and passing on those narrow roads. My dad says she drives like a man. She takes that as a compliment!

Church is small but dedicated and I really enjoyed seeing some old friends. The fact that they have an actual building now is astounding and they do not take that for granted. I was lucky enough to be able to help with a service project. They had knitted squares that needed to be sewn together and a border added to make a blanket. The ward works with the Red Cross to help the refugees. I was able to take the squares and complete the blanket for them during my second week. Mum also donated a blanket that she had made when we dropped off the finished assignment. I loved being able to help.

Each day I was treated to some long forgotten food. Now I know that most of you reading this will not appreciate my rave gourmet reviews. I drooled over liver and bacon, mackeral pate, Marmite, watercress, cheese so strong that it would make your toes curl! A blackcurrant cordial to drink, Lucozade, another delicious beverage. All very yummy!

My 2 weeks, or fortnight, as the English say, flew by but we were able to get everything done and I absolutely loved being around my sweet parents.

Saying goodbye was particularly hard. Not being close enough to help them daily, that is something I find very hard to get my mind around. My journey home was long but uneventful, just how we like it. 

Saint Denis

How lucky I was to have the love and support of my family while I was over there. Dennis even managed some laundry and ironing while I was gone!

 Now we are back into the swing of things, jet lag has been conquered and reality has already bitten!! Still, I am ever grateful for the opportunity I had to go and help my parents. I am a very fortunate and blessed individual. 

Bonus picture: Girls visiting with Nana during 2006.