Me and Tessie had a lush lay-in until about 11 and then I got up and made my first sponge cake
I then got my hair re-straightened and put some posh clobber on and made my way over to the hospital chapel. The traffic was really heavy as I approached the Eastern Road and soon I realised why - fucking idiot Pompey fans making their drunken way to Fratton Park - fucking great. I ended up arriving a couple of minutes late to the bloody chapel - how embarrassing. Anyway, once in I was given an order of service and a little white candle.
The service was actually really lovely (even though there were only about 12 people there) and even though I'm not exactly what you would call 'a believer' it must be deeply ingrained that this kind of service is just 'right'. I can't really even explain it but well, I know what I mean. Singing the hymns and listening to readings about loss, it all just seemed the right thing to do and even though I went alone, I never felt alone.
We all took our candles to the front of the chapel after the welcome speech and the vicar lady lit each one as we said our babies' name and then all the candles were kept together on a little table, to burn for the rest of the service.
It only lasted about 40 minutes but it was really lovely and I found a great deal of comfort.
When it finished however, I realised that the couple in front of us, I recognised the man - I went to school with him - what a coincidence. We don't even live anywhere near the hospital but there he was with his partner and they too were mourning the loss of their baby. I didn't speak to them at all but it was a surprise to see him and I felt sorry for them both. I guess knowing how utterly painful it is to go through something like this, it also hurts you to think that anyone else has to go through it as well. Still, at least they were comforting each other.
After the service I got back in the car and made my way home via Sainsburys - I wanted to buy some pink roses for Pip and get a few other bits.
Then I got home and quickly put some dinner on for me, and while that was cooking, I made the icing for my cake and iced it. Wanna see my masterpiece?
I brought it into the taxi office with me tonight and immediately gave my mate Chelsea half for her to take home for her mum, dad and 2 sisters to share - I really want some constructive criticism so that I can better my skills as I go along. Chelsea's mum rung up and asked if I could cab another piece to her!! She said the sponge was just right, nice and moist and a bit gooey in the middle still and the icing was perfect so I'm one chuffed bunny tonight
Oh, and most excitingly one of my closest SG friends xALICEx has gone into labour today. Baby Louis is on his way! I'm soooooooo excited and nervous and scared and everything else for her but I'm sure everything will be just fine. I feel sick with worry Please pop by and wish xALICEx and her fiance XzombieX all the best and happy/easy labour vibes.
xx
Send me some cake?
The sad thing is - so many of these things I go to, only have standing..no actual seating..so I can't aim for seats where I can actually see over people!
So frustrating!