A Time Of Hope

Just a month away from their baby being born, Anthea thinks back nostalgically to when it all began...

“I’ll look after you like you’re a princess,” Guy had promised, picking her up and swinging her round until she was giddy. “I’ll even tidy up the kitchen when I’ve finished cooking. Oh – and no more wet towels thrown on the bathroom floor! I’ll become a paragon of virtue!” more days with the love of her life. It had all happened so suddenly, the feeling under par, the sickness becoming worse, the doctor’s diagnosis.

“I’m afraid there’s no more we can do,” he’d told Anthea gravely. “It may be weeks or it might be a month or two. I am so very sorry.”

At first they’d been too stunned to take in the situation. Almost in denial, they had thrown a party for Guy’s birthday, inviting family and friends from far and wide.

Anthea had taken over the preparations, baking quiches, sausage rolls and a huge chocolate birthday cake. The wine had flowed freely and the atmosphere was one of joyful celebration. Guy had thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone and for a day or two it seemed as if his illness was in remission at the very least. He was his old self once more. Anthea prayed for a miracle.

“I love you Anthea,” Guy had said taking her tenderly in his arms. “I’ll always be with you. Never forget it.”

But the good time was all too shortlived. One Spring evening, after Anthea had spent a quiet evening sitting with him, holding his hand Guy asked her to make him a cup of tea. Even before the kettle had boiled she sensed a change and hurried back to the bedroom but she was too late. In the few minutes she had been apart from him Guy had slipped away, quietly and without a fuss.

Time had moved on and after the initial devastation of losing him, Anthea had set her shoulders straight and vowed to be a loving mother to her unborn son.

The machine cycle finished, Anthea hauled the wash into a wicker basket and opened the door onto the garden. The rain had stopped. By the time she had hung the sheets out to dry the sun was shining out of a clear blue sky. Anthea smiled. It was a replica of the day she and John had met. As she pegged out the last white pillow slip, something caught her eye and caused her heart to leap.

One corner of the material was definitely tinged with blue.

BY PAT HOLNESS

WEEK: MAY 19 – MAY 26, 2020

VIRGO

You long to get away from it all but you’ve got too much to do. Some good news concerning a secret wish will lift your spirits.

Astro Tip: Use your natural common sense.

LIBRA

Joint finances will be a focus of your thoughts. You might decide you are under-insured or you are paying out on something that has no value. Astro Tip: Inspire others to work towards a special goal.

SCORPIO

The support of an older relative will be helpful. Their faith in you will give you the confidence you need to move a decision forward.

Astro Tip: Eat nutritious food and get more rest.

SAGITTARIUS

Background developments bring tension. If gossip is true, it may be time for changes. There are times to respect a need for confidentiality.

Astro Tip: Don’t stop until you discover the true facts.

CAPRICORN

The generosity of a new friend or neighbour might come as a surprise. If you’re single, loyalty and compassion mean more than money.

Astro Tip: Discuss concerns involving an older relative.

AQUARIUS

A situation is causing a lot of contention. It’s important to be objective when encouraging two parties to resolve their differences. Astro Tip: Keep a note of changes to your plans.

PISCES

A relative will help you out of a dilemma. You’ll be grateful and because they aren’t saying they told you so, you can learn from their example. Astro Tip: Think about holiday plans for next year.

ARIES

Someone has been pushing things under the carpet. When you find another batch of neglected paperwork, this will be the final straw.

Astro Tip: Plan your schedule ahead.