One day after work once I got home I was greeted by a curious red piece of card. We have all seen them it was a Royal Mail cared to notify you something was attempted to be delivered. I searched threw my brains to try and figure out what this mystery parcel could be. Was I expecting anything? Had I drank too many glasses of wine one night and decided to order a Subaru? It was too late to go to the post office as it was already shut so my curiosity would have to subside until the following day. That night though as I lay in bed I couldn’t get it out of my head, it was really bothering me. I eventually got to sleep (after 5 minutes as I can sleep like no ones business).
I was on an early shift in work so would have to wait until after my shift. It was on my mind the whole time. Every task it was at the back of my mind. What curious little Pandora’s box was awaiting me at five o’clock at Eccles post office? That day seemed to pass much slower than usual. The ticking clock felt like thunder as the minutes passed like hours. Eventually the hour hand complied and it was time to leave and discover what was waiting for me. As I approached the man at the window he looked up at me, grunted and took my little red piece of card. I felt like when Charlie got the golden ticket. “Run home Michael, As fast as you can!”. Unfortunately I was not greeted by Gene Wilder but a very gruff gentleman who smoked 40 a day and perhaps had a solvent abuse problem judging by his bloodshot eyes. Eventually after searching for 10 minutes the gruff gentleman handed over my parcel.
Like Charlie I ripped open my metaphorical chocolate bar to reveal the treasure inside. It was all my favourite sweets. Their were Haribo’s, Astro belts, even the cola laces which I absolutely adored. As I looked down at the cutely wrapped parcel I noticed a little key ring doll. It was a panda. I knew instantly who they were from, Mummy.
I ranger her up as soon as I wrapped it all back up again. I asked her why she sent it.
“Cause you are my son and I love surprising you.”.
These little care packages would come once in a while, always at the most expected times. Sometimes they were sweets, sometimes a card if I was feeling blue. She always surprised me every single time. I can just picture her walking round the shops selecting her little gifts and smiling. She was one of the most generous people I ever knew. She loved to give. It brought her so much joy. Even though the value of these care packages was minimal. They felt like a lottery win every single time to me. She would always put something really random in them to make me smile.
We had lots of little traditions like that. I miss them all but the one thing I miss above all is her hugs. I would trade it all for that one last hug. I always felt so safe in those arms.
I cant remember when exactly the last one was, but I can remember how each and everyone of them felt.
They felt like love
A Grievers Guide to the Galaxy 