A Trip Down Memory Lane - Part Six - Milestones

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August 23rd 2006

' Well girls. Tomorrow's the big day! '

' Oh please, don't remind us! ' Frances nervously responded.

' You'll be fine, ' I insisted. ' you have both worked really hard and I am sure you will pass with flying colours.' They smiled anxiously.

' Have you finished your packing? ' Emily called from the kitchen.

' Yes! '

' Packing? Are you going somewhere? '

' Oh, didn't I tell you mum? I thought I had. Silly me! Yes. James is taking them on a mini break in celebration of their success. '

' But, what if we haven't done well? '

' Frances. Your idea of doing well is getting A's straight across the board. If you have not managed to attain to that, you may feel that you haven't had much success. However, to your teachers, your nan, your dad and me, you have been very successful! You've progressed in your learning. You have both grown into fine young ladies. Even if you don't reach the grades you want to, it's no bad reflection on the person you've become! '

Adding my two two pennies worth I concluded, ' And that is something we are all extremely proud of! '

' And dad has always treated us whenever we've reached a milestone...'

' What do you mean Eliza? '

' Well, do you remember when we finished primary school, dad took us on that amazing camping trip? '

' Oh yes! That was super fun! '

' And what about the time he took us for that giant ice cream when we finished our KS1 exams? We were just getting ready to start into the junior years. '

' Yum! That's right! Dad takes us on adventures. '

Emily and I caught each others glance, smiled and held our own conversation while the girls reminisced....

As I was leaving, Emily thanked me for the encouragement I gave the girls. She told me, ' Elizabeth tries to act casual about the whole thing. But Frances is completely petrified! She's a doubting Thomas, particularly when it comes to herself and her own abilities. '

' I can relate to Frances. I really can. More than you realise! '

' Funny how family traits develop through generations isn't it? '

' True... So I'll meet you outside the school tomorrow? '

' Yes. It will be such a nice surprise for them when they see you there to support them. '

' Awe... It will won't it? So, what time will you all be there? '

' Well, ' she shrugged, ' that depends on the girls. I will ring you when we are about to leave. '

' That'll do well. See you tomorrow sweetheart. '

' Bye mum! '...

August 24th 2006

' Where are the girls? '

' They went inside a few minutes ago to...'

'Mum! ' Frances came running over.

' So? How did you do? '

' I don't know. I want to be with you when I open it! ' Her envelope shook, her voice trembled. ' Oh my goodness!' Her eyes popped out! I thought she was going to faint.

' How have you done? ' I urged.

She handed the results over to her mum and sat on the wall before she fell over... ' Brilliant Frances! Well done, baby! I always knew you'd do well! '

' Let me see! ' I grabbed the results. ' Oh Frances! ' I paused and watching her shocked little face I said, ' No. You didn't do well at all! '

' No. ' She playfully said. ' I did even better! '

' You did indeed Frances. Well done! We are so, so proud of you..' I commended as I hugged her tight. ' Now where is Elizabeth? '

' She wanted to open hers with her friends and then share the news with her favourite teachers. '

' Good idea! Come on! Let's go and tell your teachers how you got on! ' Emily encouraged, grabbing her excitedly by the hand.

' No! I can't... I'm too nervous! '

' Okay, ' Emily gave way on this occasion. ' I'm just going to find your sister. '

As she disappeared through the cloud of parents, Frances tugged at my arm and whispered, ' Nana. Do you think I'm silly for not having the courage to go back in? ' Her eyes were drowning.

I assured her, ' No. I don't think you're silly at all Frances. It's a big moment for you. Emotions are a funny facet of our being. Some people, like you and me, like to do things quietly, don't we? ( She nodded ) No fuss. Others like to be around people and share the moment. '

' Eliza is like that! I wish I had her confidence! '

' I know. But you have confidence in other ways. Eliza has confidence socially, but you have it creatively. You took part in the school production. You entered art competitions. You feel inferior around others and yet...yet there is a silent self assertiveness about you.'

' How do you even know that? ' She choked up. ' That is exactly how I feel! '

' Because, I was like you for a long time. But it will pass. Maybe sooner than you think. ' I gave her hand a squeeze and she rested her head on my shoulder.

' Thank you Nana...'

... When James and the twins set off on another adventure, Emily arranged to stay with me for the time that they were away. How could I refuse!?

August 31st 2006

Dear Diary, Emily and I have been on a wonderful trip down memory lane during our time together.

Emily had brought along with her what she calls her " time machine ". I can't believe she still has it! It is basically a large, black, plastic box with a lid. It has stickers of gold and silver stars dotted all over it for decoration.

Chris and I helped Emily with this project one time when she was unwell. She was only little. We wanted to cheer her up. Chris cut out four wooden legs to attach to the bottom of the box. I painted them silver. Then, we made the top of the rocket out of old metal coat hangers and strong black card. There was a porthole window with a picture of Emily's face inside it. No front teeth!... This also had stars on. Inside this box are snippets of her childhood.

' Oh my word! You still have this? '

Emily replied in a manner that made me feel like it should have been obvious to me that she did. ' Yeah! Why wouldn't I? It has you and dad all over it! It's far to precious to dispose of! '

' I remember when we all made this together for you... Like it was only yesterday... To the finest detail... How your dad designed and produced the extra features... And you put all the stickers on... Exactly where you wanted them to go...'

' Seriously mum. Don't start crying! You'll set me off! '

Before we explored it's contents, we discussed the girls. I commended her for her parenting skills and the cleverness of those two angels.

' Well mum, I didn't raise them on my own. I also seem to recall the help and advice I received from my mother. '

' You know what I mean. '

' I do. '

' It's funny you know. When you told me that you were to have twins, I expected them to be the same! '

' We did too! They are like north and south. Identical in appearance, not so in personality. '

' I have noticed. '

' Take Elizabeth. She loves skateboarding, sports, is always in jeans and punky tops. Oh and calls herself " Eliza " because her full name isn't " cool " enough for her. She's tough, strong willed and you don't want to be in her bad books! '

' Ha ha! That's great though. She's a woman who knows how to take care of herself. '

' But Frances, on the flip side, is more delicate. She does not like confrontation. She's sometimes fragile. But I have found that she is very in touch with how you might be feeling. For example, if I've had a rotten day, she detects it and treads carefully. This is even when I try my damnedest not to let it show! '

' As far as their results go, they are just as polar opposite! '

' I know! Frances and Elizabeth are strong at each others weaknesses. '

' They are complete, Emily. '

' Elizabeth wants to go into veterinary medicine. She loves animals and doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. Frances wants to teach a creative subject but does not think that she has the strength of character to accomplish this. So I really don't know what she will do. '

' They are still young Emily. It takes time. '

' I know. I just worry about her. I want to protect her. '

... ' I like this photo! ' I pointed towards the central photograph on a page two thirds of the way through her family album.

' Ha ha! James with ice cream on his nose! '

I chuckled, ' Dare I ask why? '

' This was the time we were trying to teach the girls to keep our home a tidy place. They were only seven. We promised them that we would treat them to an ice cream if they tidied their bedroom. And kept it tidy! True to our word, James took them to the " ice cream truck " as they liked to call it then. James bought five ice creams. I had the camera ready to take a picture of them having ice cream with their daddy. James decided that he wanted to be " Frosty the snowman " and promptly popped the extra ice cream on his nose and crossed his eyes! Well I was rolling on the floor laughing! When I was finally able to snap the pose, the ice cream fell from his nose and ... Splat! All over the floor! See there, the girls giggling away? '

' Oh man! ' I couldn't breathe for laughing.

' That's how we were on the day! '

' This is a great story! '

' It's one of their favourite memories. Except when they relate it, it's so much funnier! '

' I can imagine.... Awe, look! '

' Yeah! First steps, or near enough. '

' I remember your first steps! But before you took them you shuffled your way around on your rump. We called you, " The dusty diaper! " '

' Mum! '

' But one day, when we were walking you to the other side of the room, you pulled your hands away from ours and tried a few steps on your own. That was it then. There was no stopping you! '

' It's strange. Neither of our girls did that. Frances relied heavily on our support, gradually letting go. Elizabeth wanted to do things her own way. She used the furniture to stabilise her footing. She only accepted our help when she felt under the weather. '

' Quite the independent woman. '

' Quite... Do you remember this mum? '

' The play! Frances was brilliant in that. Alice in Wonderland wasn't it? '

' Yes. She made a great Cheshire Cat! '

' She did. Why didn't Elizabeth take part? '

' She just said at the time that it wasn't her thing. She did take part in other activities though. '

' Yes. Sports teams, adventurous school trips...'

' They did exceptionally well! '

' Well, you know where they got it from don't you? '

' Their dad mostly. Any talent on my part was restricted to writing! '

' Writing is no minor talent Em! Your work is electric! Poetry, critical, factual, fictional and even the odd ditty! If there were no writers, there would be a phenomenal void in life as we know it! '

She shrugged her shoulders, ' You know what I'm trying to say. '

' It has been an absolute blessing to see your babes reach each milestone in their journey so far. ' My tone became lachrymose. ' I realise how privileged I am to be part of their lives. When you consider...'

Emily sympathised, ' Oh mum! We have all loved having you there with us, every step of the way. '

In an attempt to shake off the dust of pain, I asked Emily what was in her box...

' First of all, there is this...and this. '

' Your first teddy bear and blanket! '

' Yeah! Oh! And a small collection of memories...' She handed me an ice cream tub. It had photographs, tiny toys and a piece of ribbon inside.

' You've kept these in good condition. '

' Yep. Safe in my wardrobe. '

' What is the ribbon in memory of? '

' You and dad went on a short holiday. I think I was about eight or so at the time. You gifted me a beautiful souvenir. It was a porcelain doll. We were playing in my room one day and it got knocked down off the shelf and it was broken beyond repair! I was extremely upset. To calm me down you told me that it was okay and you plaited the ribbon into my hair. '

' I can't even recall that! ' ...

There were some other belongings Diary. There were items of clothing, jewelry, more toys and the list continues... I remained in complete surprise at how her capsule of memories managed to survive time, moves and children!

' Have the girls seen this Emily? '

' They saw it once when we moved house. But I wouldn't let them handle it. '

' What is on the video tape? '

' Ah. I was coming to that. I've added some of my adult life to the collection in my time machine. Would you like to watch it? '

' Yeah! Can't wait! '

' Okay. ' She posted the tape into the player and the music started.

' A play! Is this the one Frances was in? '

' No. But wait and see what happens. '

An hour and a quarter later, the leading character calls out for a member of the audience to take part.

' Why does this seem familiar? '

' You'll find out in a sec mum. ' Emily's eyes were glued to me and my reactions the whole time.

' No! ' I gasped. ' So it was put on video! '

' Yes. But as of yet, James has not revealed wether or not it was sold to the public or if a copy was just given to the actors as a momentum. '

' Look at that! James was not exaggerating about your reaction was he, when you announced your engagement to us? You were very nervous weren't you? '

' Wouldn't you have been? '

' I can't believe it! Ha! You really did tell him not to dress as a tree for your wedding! '

Emily, as red as she was on the video, sighed, ' Ah, the silly things we say on the spare of the moment. '

' Awe... It was great though. You should put this on for everyone when they come back. '

' I think I will. James still teases me about that night. Thankfully, not in front of the twins. Though, when they see this, he probably will and they'll no doubt join in. '

' That's alright. You can tease him back! '

' And say what exactly? '

' I don't know. Something like... " What kind of man wears makeup? " '

' Weak mum. Very weak! '

' When your father and I would reminisce about our past, we would comment on how we enjoyed our trip down memory lane. It has been a joy to do the same with you during your time here. '

' It has been fun hasn't it? You could say in our case that we have had " A starships blast into the past "

' That's a good one! I challenge you to create your next poem using that as a title. ' ' Mission accepted! ' ...

We put on a record of relaxing melodies and had a cup of cocoa. ' Tomorrow, we should find a gift for the girls that they can keep in memory of their GCSE results. '

' Yes. And throw a little " Welcome Home " party when they return. '

September 2nd 2006

Diary. To summarise today's events, the party was a hit! It was just the five of us. We all enjoyed our quality time together...

The girls told us about their time in Italy. The sights they saw, the accomodation, the food... And what would a report on such an adventure be without the funny experiences included!...

We played the sort of music that the girls are in to. After dinner, we presented the girls with their special gift. It was a necklace each, with pendant shaped like half of a heart. When the two were put together, it would be whole. Each half had a gem of their favourite colour in. Emerald for Frances, Ruby for Elizabeth. On the back of each half was the inscription... " The jewel of Nana's eye! " ... They mused on this. They grasped the sentiment, understanding that they were of equal value in their grandmother's eyes. They have a special place in Nana's heart.

' Are you going to show them Emily? '

' What, the time machine or the video? '

' Both! '

' What? ' The two asked.

' You're going to love this! ' James could not filter his excitement.

So we went through the same process as Emily and I had done previously. The girls were hilarious when relating, " Frosty the Snowman ". Emily nudged me at this point and observed, ' That's what we can tease James about! '

The video went on and silence fell on to the room...

' Is that mum? ' Eliza called out.

' Yes. It is! ' Frances answered, in utter shock.

' If that was me, I wouldn't have stood up. I would have pretended that someone else was Emily and pointed at them! '

' Well, unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough to think of that Eliza. '

' Look! There's dad! '

' Don't I look handsome? ' James joked.

' Was that your real proposal? ' Eliza asked doubtfully. ' Or was this part of the act? '

' It was real. ' Answered Emily and James together.

' Wow! I've never heard of it being done this way before! This is awesome! '

' Yes Eliza, so when you have a boyfriend, we can get him to propose to you like this. '

' Yuck! Rule number one, Eliza ( pointing at herself ) doesn't do romance! Number two. She is her own boss and number three, never ever intends to have a relationship! '

' Well, if I ever find someone, I want the proposal to be private. None of this showy stuff. '

' Do you mean like your Nana's? '

' Yes! Up a hill sounds nice. '

' Mountain Frances. ' I corrected. ' It's more romantic. '

' Anyway. ' Eliza hurriedly said. ' Moving on from all this mushy stuff, can we put some of our things into the time machine? '

' Certainly! '

' Great! I want to add my... '

They had a lively discussion about their own history and ideas for the time machine. I should imagine it will take centre stage in the room of remembrance. My project will live beside it.

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