Day 299

Woke up around 9 today, making sure I got as close to an 8 hour sleep as I could. It was still less than that, but what can you do? My Mom and I got ready, and we headed off to Peterborough.

We made a stop at Starbucks, and then drove straight to my Nan's. We walked in and said hi, sat down, and waited for my cousin Tom to come by. The 4 of us sat and talked for a bit, then Tom went home to get spruced up - it was crazy hot out and everyone just felt dirty - so my Mom and I headed to Charlie and Anna's.

We spent about an hour at their place, and left with me in tears. In fact, as I was driving away, my Mom made me pull over, and run back in for one last hug from the two of them. Still crying, but comforted from a great cousin, and his fiancee, I strolled slowly back to the car. We went back to Nan's, and waited for Tom to come 'round again. Once he arrived, we packed into the Volvo, and I drove us all to a Chinese Restaurant. We had a really nice time together, and Nan stayed out far later than usual with us. It was great. When we got back to their neighbourhood, we grabbed everything from Nan's, and drove to Tom's. We then watched the World Cup with his roommate Sam, and friend Laura. The 6 of us were sitting there pretty bored however, and after regulation time, my Mom and I decided we'd better be on our way. There weren't any tears this time, as I've been promised Tom's going to try to come out on the 22nd, and bring Nan with him, so I held them back. On our way out of town though, we stopped at my Aunt's grave, and of course, tears shed.

The two of us drove away from Peterborough for what will be the last time for a year :( It was very sad. We were making great time and expected to be back to speak to Heloise before she headed to bed. 15 minutes from the house...everything came to a stand still. An ambulance drove by us, and every car in front of us went into park. We did the same. The next half hour had me feeling as though I was in a Dane Cook skit. People were getting out of their cars, walking up to the accident...peering out their windows, using their cell phones, pacing back and forth. All I could think was "I was cleaning a dish!...Tell him what you told me...That's not what he told me" - I thought of you Tara. Eventually everything was cleared up, and knowing my Nan would be in a panic... - I ALWAYS call her when I get back to Essex, and my phone had died - I drove back to the house as quickly as possible. It had gotten so dark however, that it wasn't easy. I had to go slower than usual as it was really hard to see the road. When we did get back, everyone was in bed. My Mom and I went upstairs, and I was asleep not long after...knowing I'd have to be up in the morning to take the boys. xx