Johnny this is so heartfelt I can feel all the mixed emotions and the weight of wanting to help your mother in those times too. Your story strangely echoes my own Grandad (Poppa as he was known to me) born a similar time from a poor cockney family he faked his age to get into the RAF to escape poverty. He died in my final year of my post grad and missed me graduating. He died on St David’s day here in the UK/wales so yellow daffodils always remind me of him - strange how you mention yellow too. I wrote a poem about a military sweetheart ring he gave me that was my Nannas this weekend and was so upset even after 19 years of him having passed - i realised yesterday I was writing the poem on the anniversary of his death. The body holds these things even after such long periods of time. Love to you and your family 🖤
Thank you, Suzie - it was definitely emotional getting this on paper for the first time. I love how small the world can be in the way our stories echo and rhyme with each other even on opposite sides. The similarities between us show just how recent our grandfathers’ lives really were, and how recent it was that most people in the world lived rural lives.
Yes, St David! I believe the kit is based on the Flag of Saint David, and was probably worn for a 6 Nations match. Wasps used to also do a kit for the day. I’ll have to find a picture of it. But that’s wonderful you’re reminded of him by such a beautiful flower. Cymru am byth to anyone who celebrates.
The body does indeed hold so much, and acts in ways without our knowing - like you penning the poem on your Poppa’s anniversary. It’s almost like your body was waiting for it to be time the way birds just know when to migrate. Would love to read the poem if you ever decide to post it - but also let it be for yourself if that’s what you need. I let this be just mine for 14 years before needed to finally write it.
That is so true, it’s so recent but the world has changed so much, and there was something in my grandparents simplicity which I don’t think future generations will experience unless we find a way to hold on to it. I will send you the poem via message as easy going to post it. I hope you’re feeling okay after writing all of this, it brings lots of emotions.
I’m feeling good, thanks for asking. I’ve been doing a lot of work for being in touch and comfortable in my emotions lately. It felt good to let something heavy out of me rather than letting in swirl inside me for all time
What a beautiful tribute to your papa, Johnny. I didn't expect to be teary eyed this morning, but I guess that's the effect of reading something so heart felt and tenderly drawn. I am now going to look up the film you mention. 🌿💚
Thank you! I also didn’t expect to be teary eyed while writing it, but it felt good to be, I think. Hope you enjoy the show and that it might reveal to you that you have a worn story of your own.
Wow this is ... wow. This one definitely made me cry. So heartfelt, so powerful.
Glad you enjoyed it 🙏
Johnny this is so heartfelt I can feel all the mixed emotions and the weight of wanting to help your mother in those times too. Your story strangely echoes my own Grandad (Poppa as he was known to me) born a similar time from a poor cockney family he faked his age to get into the RAF to escape poverty. He died in my final year of my post grad and missed me graduating. He died on St David’s day here in the UK/wales so yellow daffodils always remind me of him - strange how you mention yellow too. I wrote a poem about a military sweetheart ring he gave me that was my Nannas this weekend and was so upset even after 19 years of him having passed - i realised yesterday I was writing the poem on the anniversary of his death. The body holds these things even after such long periods of time. Love to you and your family 🖤
Thank you, Suzie - it was definitely emotional getting this on paper for the first time. I love how small the world can be in the way our stories echo and rhyme with each other even on opposite sides. The similarities between us show just how recent our grandfathers’ lives really were, and how recent it was that most people in the world lived rural lives.
Yes, St David! I believe the kit is based on the Flag of Saint David, and was probably worn for a 6 Nations match. Wasps used to also do a kit for the day. I’ll have to find a picture of it. But that’s wonderful you’re reminded of him by such a beautiful flower. Cymru am byth to anyone who celebrates.
The body does indeed hold so much, and acts in ways without our knowing - like you penning the poem on your Poppa’s anniversary. It’s almost like your body was waiting for it to be time the way birds just know when to migrate. Would love to read the poem if you ever decide to post it - but also let it be for yourself if that’s what you need. I let this be just mine for 14 years before needed to finally write it.
That is so true, it’s so recent but the world has changed so much, and there was something in my grandparents simplicity which I don’t think future generations will experience unless we find a way to hold on to it. I will send you the poem via message as easy going to post it. I hope you’re feeling okay after writing all of this, it brings lots of emotions.
Can’t wait to read it.
I’m feeling good, thanks for asking. I’ve been doing a lot of work for being in touch and comfortable in my emotions lately. It felt good to let something heavy out of me rather than letting in swirl inside me for all time
What a beautiful tribute to your papa, Johnny. I didn't expect to be teary eyed this morning, but I guess that's the effect of reading something so heart felt and tenderly drawn. I am now going to look up the film you mention. 🌿💚
Thank you! I also didn’t expect to be teary eyed while writing it, but it felt good to be, I think. Hope you enjoy the show and that it might reveal to you that you have a worn story of your own.