When I count my blessings, I count you twice

This was the Irish blessing written on the card that mum and dad left me before they went into the taxi destined for the airport. Sitting here in floods of tears after reading it, I and more homesick then ever.

I can't help but reminisce on the last few days.

Mum and I went into Coventry town centre and soon realised that this place was definitely not at the high end of England. There were so many pregnant teenagers with 2-3 children by their side already; and then there was their drop kick boyfriends who were all on welfare. It was sad to see how such a town could be in such an awful state. Every shop we went into was run down. It took us 30mins to find a nice looking cafe that didn't look as if it was going to give us food poisoning. Coventry proved to be a place I'm happy I visited (to see where my father grew up) but a place I shall not visit again. The two best things we bought (the only things we bought) was wool, so i could re-learn how to knit, and a gorgeous vintage dress! :D

After Coventry, we then Drove to Reading and then onto Wokingham. Yes, these are both strange places to visit, but dad had meetings there, and so mum and I had a look around town whilst we waited. It was great fun spending the days with mum. I have certainly missed her, even when we fort over stupid things, I still loved having her with me. 

We stopped off back at Guildford for one night and took the train to Glasgow. A wonderful 6hr train trip that seemed to fly by (much in comparison to my other train trips that i have had alone). Dad and I watched movies along the way, laughing our heads off at the inbetweeners movie while others gave us funny looks. Mum sat next to a man who had fort in the 1st Iran war and continues today to serve for the U.K, so too does his wife. It was so interesting to hear his stories (although he never went into detail). He told us that his wife is to be sent to Afghanistan in 6months time. I can't imagine what their family goes through and has seen; more then i ever wish to!

We arrived  at Glasgow Central at 9:30pm and I was so excited to show mum and dad my flat. After the initial shock of how small/worn it all is, I think (hope) they liked it, after all, it is my home for the time being. When we woke the next morning we went food shopping, Nat had arrived from Guildford that morning too (on an overnight bus) and was practically ready to pass out, so he stayed in my flat in bed. I can't believe how much food mum bought for me! It was as if all my birthdays had come at once (yes, i do get this happy over grocery shopping) the rest of the day was dedicated to 'Charles Rennie Mackintosh'. Visiting both the Willow Tea Rooms and the Mackintosh gallery. Mum thoroughly enjoyed this, although the next day topped all. (Quick note before i go onto the next day: that night mum and I cooked apricot chicken and lemon meringue pie for dinner, it was the most at home i have felt for a very long time.) 

We took a train down to Helensburgh and visited the Hill House. This house was designed by Rennie Mackintosh and his wife, he did the exterior and she the interior. It was truly beautiful. but none appreciated it more then mum who has waited over 30 years to see it. From here, we walked down to the water front and had fish and chips on the beach whilst being attacked by the gigantic seagulls. 

The final day of mum and dad's trip was my 20th birthday. After being spoilt with Swarovski earrings from mum, dad and Lucy, and many gifts back home, we went to the willow tea rooms for breakfast. My first meal of being 20 = french toast, maple syrup and bacon. I was a very happy lassy! I unfortunately had class in the middle of the day, so once that finished, I walked down to George Square where I met mum to go onto the 'Glasgow Eye'. This is basically a very large wheel which resembles the London Eye.....but smaller. Dad had another meeting during this time, so met us afterwards for some shopping. We all literally shopped till we could no more....well, mainly cos the shops closed at 6pm.... 

All day I had been truly spoilt by mum and dad buying my anything my heart desired, and the gifts did not stop there. For dinner they took me and a few friends out for Teppanyaki. And went back to our flat for cake that the girls had baked me. It was the finish to such a wonderful day. 

Even without all the unbelievably generous things people did for/gave me, the day would still have been perfect with just the people I have been so blessed to have in my life. 

It was the worst feeling getting out of that car. Knowing that this is the last time i will properly, physically see my parents for the next 4months. To perfectly suit the mood, it was raining outside. Once our goodbyes were all said, they got back in the taxi and drove off. I reached into my bag to get my key and found a wad of money left in there by my dad, I still cannot comprehend how generous they both are.

As the days have past since then, I have found it hard. I keep wondering why, as last time I said goodbye I was not like this, but everywhere I turn, small things remind me of the things we did together in Glasgow. 

Sitting here writing this, just finishing the last tissue from the once full packet, all I can think of is the last memory I have of them here, looking through the back window of the old style British taxi, crying and waving goodbye.