Day 95 Week 13

Well, the best laid plans of mice and men. Day three of the return to work and normality and it's all gone horrendously wrong as am snowed in with a good ten inches worth lying on the ground, consequently am housebound yet again. Weather no longer Alpine but Siberian. Worst patch to hit the UK for fifty years so the experts say, but not wishing to be pedantic feel it is actually forty-seven, because I can remember 1963 and playing in the snow drifts when my brother and I both had chickenpox. This particular spell is expected to last up to a week, with the snow being compounded by fiercely low temperatures and severe frosts. What's happening?

Musing on disastrous ending of sick leave when there's suddenly an unexpected knock at the door, which always precipitates a moment's unease. Agitation increases when I see through the glass two men standing on my doorstep. Deep breath and open the door only for concerns to evaporate immediately as there are five of C's closest friends including his gorgeous girlfriend (K). They have been sledging on the common and tumble through the door covered in the white stuff and lots of hugging and kissing ensues. So good to see them.

Lots of talk with E in the kitchen while we make tea as he is also in the army and had spoken to C yesterday. With all the nonchalant confidence of a serving soldier he told me C was fine and that he'd been back to the main base for a few days as he had to write a report on something but had returned to his FOB (forward operating base) yesterday. Easy charm and lack of concern momentarily infectious and feel reassured by his optimism dv.

Then the six of us sit in the sitting room for over an hour discussing Afghanistan and reminiscing happier days and times of fun. So, so good to see them all. K finding it hard and missing C but he rings her as often as he can and she is so sweet and lovely I'm sure she helps him cope. E back off out to Afghanistan in October and he's doing some assessment procedure soon for something which sounds very dangerous and scary but he regards it with nothing but excitement.

E and J tell me that there is a testimonial written by C on the MoD and BBC websites for the poor lad he lost and they promptly show it to me. Am swept aside by pride and sorrow as I see the photograph of the boy and read C's words. Find it difficult to believe I'm really reading something my boy has written about another mother's son and it's so heartbreaking. God bless them all.

Mood lifts when I tell them all about H and Dartmouth and the photos come out and it's back to a lighter tone. C never, ever, very far away but he somehow feels closer when they're all here.

Not heard from H so hoping all fine there. R at the pub with friends as there's a strange sort of holiday vibe going around as a result of the weather. Not heard from C but briefly felt him with us this afternoon, more prayers and requests for intervention. The snow has just stopped and in all honesty don't think where I live has ever looked so beautiful.

Speak soon. A soldier's Mumx