Iris

Had bad news from home yesterday. My dear old Aunty Iris had fallen down the stairs and died. My folks hadn't called to tell me because what could I do at this distance? The funeral was yesterday; my father read the eulogy and my brother was a pall bearer.

I remember Iris very fondly. We used to visit when we were kids but then went to Australia and didn't really see much of the family when we returned.Those who have heard this story, please ignore....

I was working for Lucas many years ago and I was going to visit one of the manufacturing plants in Ystradgynlais (pronounce that if you can). So I thought it might be nice to drop in on the aunt and uncle who I hadn't seen since I was 9. I rang my Mam and got the address and telephone number. I bought some flowers and called.

"Hello Aunty Iris, its your nephew Mike".

"Ooo ello!" (use a strong Welsh accent here)

"I'm in the area and I thought I'd drop in and say hello".

"Ooo there's lovely. When will you be here?"

"I'll be with you in about 10 minutes".

So I followed Mam's directions and parked outside their little council house. It was just as I remembered it. The tiny front garden and the steep steps leading up to the door. I rang the bell and there stood my little old aunt and uncle.

I said my hello's planted a kiss on her cheek, gave her the flowers and shook my uncles hand. They invited me in and I was shown to the best chair. Iris put out some tea and biscuits. I was rabbiting on about the kids but slowly ground to halt as I saw them exchanging nervous glances.

"Erm..... You don't know who I am do you?"

"No, I'm sorry bach, we dont...".

Bless em. It turn out they had another nephew called Mike and he often dropped in. They took in a complete stranger made him tea and would have sat there all evening if I hadn't said anything. :o)

Anyway, thinking of you Mam x