My sister and her husband are on their annual visit to England from Australia. My sister spends time with our mother but we arrange two day trips each week so that they can see parts of the United Kingdom as well as Cheshire. This week we went to Wales.
We have a Welsh heritage. My paternal grandfather was Welsh. He was born in Wales to Welsh parents but married a Cornish woman. My father was born in Reading so we can claim to be part Welsh. My brother has shown greater affinity to his Welsh heritage than my sister and I!
We stayed at a very good Bed and Breakfast near Harlech. My husband booked a trip up Snowdonia by train and we planned to visit Portmeirion, a unique village in Gwynedd, North Wales. It was built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, based on an Italian village.
I also tried to arrange some summer weather but that didn’t work! We left on a bleak grey day, gazing out of the car window at ‘mizzling’ rain, interspersed by heavy showers, thankful that we were in a warm car and not outside fighting the elements!
On our first night we went to the only local, a small pub which offered basic fare but made us feel as if we were in a foreign country as they all spoke a foreign language! It was different. It was frequented by farmers and local tradesmen. Walking into the tiny bar we felt as if we were intruding and couldn’t wait to find a table on the perimeter, far enough from their obviously hallowed sanctum but still within the walls of the pub! This was the only restaurant within walking distance and we didn’t feel like getting back into the car! We needed to stretch our legs and make Fitbit happy!
The steam train up Snowdonia was a disappointment. We were offered a full refund because the train couldn’t go to the summit. Having come so far we decided to go only two thirds of the way just for the experience. Not one of our best decisions because the fog outside hampered visibility and the breathing inside clouded up the windows. Our supply of tissues soon ran out and by the time we were on the descent we could have been anywhere in the world on an overcrowded train with blacked out windows!
Portmeirion was far more enjoyable. The weather had improved (how weather obsessed I have become since living in England!) and we were able to wander down to the beach after a delicious lunch and liquid refreshments. I have a new plant app so had great fun identifying plants and shrubs along the way! I felt like a child with a new toy! Sad but embarrassingly true!
My mother has deteriorated quite significantly since my sister saw her last year. Even though I tried to warn her she was not fully prepared. Understandable but still very upsetting. This is why our weekly breaks are important to put distance between the visits and allow time to adjust to the changed circumstances.
My mother still retains most of her dignity. She is a beautiful woman and I ensure she dresses well. There is not a lot I can do to aid her along this debilitating cruel and evil dementia journey. I can be her gate keeper and protect her where possible. I do this by frequent visits and close interaction with the carers and management staff. I ask questions if unsure and voice concerns when they arise. A really sad end to someone who gave so much of her time and energy in helping others! 👠
Jenny Burrell 