Monday, January 21, 2019

Ian my great friend & Blob Partner/Artiste has given me permission for this - learning through pain.







I was recently home alone for two weeks. I bought in Waitrose curries, prepared myself for illustration work and waved goodbye to Jane at the airport. Being alone is quite an experience. The emotional intensity builds. There’s no one to natter to whilst you’re eating, no one to hug, no one to notice what you are doing. I hadn’t really prepared for it.

I thought of my Dad, during this time. He had spent the last seven or so years home alone, with occasional visits from us all. 

On the fifth day, I felt incredibly lonely. It wasn’t planned, it just happened. I decided to go to the village shop for lunch, just to be among people, but that made it worse. There were couples and groups everywhere. There was no one to talk to. The loneliness intensified. I’m not a hugely emotional person, so being overwhelmed in this way was deeply moving.

That night I had been invited out for a meal by two lovely members of the church. Being able to talk to someone was so good. Playing Scrabble and chatting was so energising. The loneliness lifted, and the remainder of the fortnight sped by with walks on the hills, visits to a friends and a trip out.

I’m glad I tasted loneliness once more. 
As a couple, it rarely happens. 
Yet 6 million people live alone in this country. 
Especially the elderly. 
This year I shall make time to talk to them.