One of the things about grief, is how it makes you feel guilty if you smile, laugh or do anything which might be considered enjoyable. It feels wrong; even disrespectful... except of course that we know that our lost loved-one would not have wanted this.
In the middle of last year, we were gifted the chance to stay away in the Lakes for a night with a fine-dining experience. At the time of course, we couldn't go, and even then hoped that Gina and her partner could go instead. That wasn't to be.
So we found ourselves with time running out, and booked a night away.
Gina would have loved it.
Starting with a ginger beer - Gina loved anything with ginger... the whole thing was perhaps wasted on us but would have been properly appreciated by our daughter. We wish she could have enjoyed it instead of us, but at least we've broken our duck and been and done something for ourselves.
The meal was something else - an experience rather than just food. The surroundings were certainly spectacular and we managed a short evening walk.
Today, after a lovely breakfast, we took advantage of a sunny morning for a visit to Keswick.
Now we just have to deal with the guilt.
