“Twice in one week, Dad?"

 Sunday 26th October 2025

This morning Mum and I went to church. We would have gone anyway, but with it being the Harvest Festival, the service felt a bit more special. Those who hadn’t been there yesterday seemed genuinely pleased by all the work that had gone into decorating the church. It did seem a shame that it would all be taken down after just one day.

There was, however, a touch of sadness about the morning. Moss has had his test results back, and it seems he has bowel cancer. People were trying to stay upbeat, saying how much treatment has improved these days and how well many do — but I’m not sure how much comfort words like that really bring, especially when you’re the one facing it.

I couldn’t think of much to do except offer to drive him to the hospital if he ever finds himself short of transport. It’s not much, but it’s something, and he seemed grateful.

Because the service ran on a little longer than usual, Dad decided to take us out for lunch afterwards.

“Twice in one week, Dad? Are you feeling all right?” I teased.

Mum laughed, and Dad turned towards me, eyes twinkling.

“You watch your tongue, young madam,” he said, nodding towards Mum and giving me a wink.

For those who don’t know, young madam is Mum’s line when she thinks I’ve overstepped my place a little — so Dad was having a dig at both of us at once.

We all laughed, and it lightened the air again. By the time we got home, the afternoon light was already softening due to the clocks getting altered last night. Mum put the kettle on while Dad settled by the fire, and for a moment, before going out to help Eric with the cattle. It was the kind of feeling you wish you could bottle and keep for when the days aren’t quite so easy.