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11.11.20

THROUGH THE ARCHED WINDOW

 

THROUGH THE ARCHED WINDOW

That morning they’d woken up to the first snow-fall, but there’d been no time to play before work, and by the time they got home it was dark.

 Harvey’s mum switched on the TV to a recording of Playschool and began to vacuum the house, secure in the knowledge that he was engrossed in trying to guess which window Floella would choose.

 His scream sent her racing downstairs two at a time, but Harvey cried, “Look, Mum – we can make a snowman tomorrow!”

 And through the arched window she saw her husband, outlined in lights like a mirage, home from the war.

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Shamelessly sentimental, I know, but there were thousands upon thousands of servicemen and women who didn't make it home from the wars which we remembered in England this week. So this story is a tribute to them.

'We will remember them' the prayer says, and I also love a less well-known but very moving one - 'When you go home, tell them of us and say / for your tomorrow we gave our today.'

The TV programme Playschool was a favourite with my children, all now adult. Every week they were asked to guess which of three windows, square, round or arched, would take them to the next part of the programme. Mind you, I had to ask my elder daughter the name of a presenter!

30 comments:

  1. I could picture the scene, sentimental or not, it was heart-warming.

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  2. I'm sure his Mum could make snowmen with him, but perhaps there's nothing like physical activity with a Dad

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    1. I think his mum was too busy trying to do several jobs at once!

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  3. So what's wrong with sentimental? We could use a little bit more of that in a world that seems consumed by hatred and anger.

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    1. This is true, Linda, and thanks for reading x

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  4. Oh, lovely! we need that sort of sentiment in this crazy world today

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  5. A beautiful and sentimental story, Liz.

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  6. Very good writing, Liz. Something that will be with all of them forever.

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  7. Dear Liz,

    A touching tribute to those who've made sacrifices for their countries, both soldiers and their families.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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  8. great holiday story. truly enjoyed it.

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  9. Nothing wrong with sentimental! We've had our share of reality, I say!

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  10. Replies
    1. Thank you! Next time I won't apologize 😊

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  11. A beautiful story. I loved the tribute, Liz!

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  12. So much to be happy for! Heartwarming story.

    Anne from annehiga.com

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  13. I always like watching videos of soldiers coming home unexpectedly and their reunions with their family. Always makes me a bit misty-eyed. Great story here.
    -David

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    1. Thanks David. I know what you mean about those videos, though it seems people video everything these days rather than just living those special moments.

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  14. I liked this on so many levels, not least because yuo reminded me of waiting excitedly to see which window we were going through today. The arched window never seemed to get its fair share.

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    1. You must be the same age as my kids, Michael. Now I do feel old!

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