Remembrance

My thoughts on this Remembrance Sunday are with my dearest Grandfather, Paddy Coote and my Great Uncles, that sadly lost their lives whilst serving for the RAF in World War II. I hope now that they are all re-united with my Granny, Mum and Aunt and can again be a family all together. I love you all. My heart too goes out to all those that are bravely putting their lives on the line still this day and for all those families left behind broken hearted.

My Grandfather bottom right after winning The Sword of Honour, beating Douglas Bader into 2nd place. You can read more of my Grandfather here.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Catherine x

Remembrance

On this Remembrance Sunday my thoughts turn to my Grandfather, Paddy Coote, who sadly lost his life in WWII whilst on mission with the RAF in Greece. My Mum and Aunt had to grow up without their Dad and my Granny without her dearest Husband. They were all incredibly strong women with the kindest of hearts. I miss them all each and every day, today my thoughts and love go out to them and all the families that are sadly still in this current day losing their loved ones in battle.Click here for my post about my Grandfather from last year with a very special photo from his wedding day. My Grandfather loved poetry so this is for you Paddy x

There's a very special garden
Where the trees of memory grow
Nurtured by the kindness
And concern that good friends show.
The roots are cherished memories
Of good times in the past
The branches tender promises
That souls endure and last.
It's a place of peace and beauty
Where bright new hopes can start
It's memory's lovely garden
That soothes the hurting heart.

Thank for you sharing with my Remembrance. Come back soon for some Christmas delights. Catherine x

May we remember...

..all those brave souls that lost their lives for their country. At this time of year I remember my Great Uncles and Grandfather, Paddy Coote, even more than normal. Although I sadly never got to meet my Grandfather I learnt to know him through the eyes of my Granny. He was a well respected Wing Commander in the RAF, studying alongside and being friends with Douglas Bader, who many of you will know especially those from England. At the end of their training my Grandfather was awarded The Sword of Honour, a great honour to receive as the best cadet throughout the training. It was considered a two horse race between Paddy and Douglas Bader.

Paddy was the kind of man to never show off, despite many sporting and RAF triumphs, including playing Rugby for Ireland and being part of the RAF bobsleigh team at the Olympics in Switzerland. Paddy was a great lover of literature and poetry, something that I have inherited. He dreamt of moving back to Ireland with my Granny, mum and my Aunt, when the war was over to write a book. This day sadly never came as he was shot down in Crete. He would normally not have been in the plane but felt that it was such a difficult mission that he could not ask his men to do something that he was not willing to do himself, so he replaced one man. I have since got to know this lovely gentleman, that wrote a book about the squadron and my Grandfather, he survived WW II because of the bravery of my Grandfather that day.

Every year I like to buy and wear a red poppy sold by the British Legion as a sign of remembrance and pride in my Grandfather. Living in Belgium I have not always been able to find one because they are not easily found here, however this year we were in Antwerp and there was a fabulous Scottish Bag pipe band playing that I love to hear (my Granny was Scottish, so yes I'm Scottish, Irish and British!) and there nearby was the British Legion selling poppies. So I have my poppy here proudly resting. Here is a photo of my Grandfather and Granny looking so happy on their wedding day.



Catherine x