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Memories (Updated 27/07)
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=6130
Author:  jmc [ 31 May 2009, 09:11 ]
Post subject:  Memories (Updated 27/07)
Joey Bettany opened her eyes groggily. She appeared to be lying on the floor in an unfamiliar room. She got to her feet unsteadily and looked around her.

“Oh help. Where am I?” she thought. The last thing Jo remembered was leaving the Sonnalpe to go for a walk. She had just finished her last term at the Chalet School and after playing with the babes all morning had decided to go for a stroll before lunch.

Jo took in the room she was in. It had a piano at one end and sunshine streaming in the window through which there was a view of a mountain. Jo didn’t recognise the mountain at all. There were a few photos in frames scattered around various surfaces. They were all of children, some of whom reminded her of someone, but she didn’t know any of them. Then another picture caught her eye.

There was a woman, in a lime green dress with her hair in great earphones around her ears, and standing next to her was a man with thinning fair hair. They were surrounded by a great hoard of people, many of whom were children. Jo was confused and was getting quite anxious. The people in the pictures looked so familiar but she didn’t know them. The man and women in particular looked familiar.

Jo continued walking around the room. She even called out but there was no response. She stuck her head out of a couple of doors but saw no one and felt that she could not just go wandering round a strange house. She passed by a mirror and gave it a passing glance to check if her hair was neat. What she saw gave her a complete shock.

It was not her in the mirror. It was the women from the photo.
Jo collapsed into a chair. She was now thoroughly frightened. She looked so much older but she knew that she had just finished school. She now realised that the man in the photo was Jack Maynard but why was he in the photo with her. Jo put her head in her hands and started to think but the sound of a door opening and the voices of little children distracted her. She looked up expecting to see one of her nephews or nieces. A head appeared round the door and yelled, “Grandma” as a little boy ran towards her.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 31 May 2009, 09:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories
Uh-oh, this doesn't look good.

Thanks jmc, an intriguing start.
Author:  Nightwing [ 31 May 2009, 09:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories
Oh wow - I wonder how Joey-the-schoolgirl is going to cope with the woman she's become?
Author:  Lesley [ 31 May 2009, 09:48 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories
Very, very interesting - wonder if Joey will like the woman she became?


Thanks jmc
Author:  Joanne [ 31 May 2009, 12:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories
Wow, this is wierd to come across when I have just finished reading The Time Travelers Wife!

Joey is in for rather a lot of shocks. Who is the grandchild?

Looking forward to more.
Author:  abbeybufo [ 31 May 2009, 15:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories
Joanne wrote:
Wow, this is wierd to come across when I have just finished reading The Time Travelers Wife!

Joey is in for rather a lot of shocks. Who is the grandchild?

Looking forward to more.


I read TT's wife a while ago - I do reccommend it to anyone who hasn't - it's brilliant!

And agreeing with Joanne in all other points too :D

Thanks jmc
Author:  MaryR [ 31 May 2009, 15:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories
A foretaste of her future - or someone suffering dementia?

I'm afraid I found TTW unbearably sad - as I do my mother's descent into dementia. Which is why this made me shdder, jmc.

Thank you.
Author:  PaulineS [ 31 May 2009, 20:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories
Thanks JMC. An interesting start.
Author:  abbeybufo [ 31 May 2009, 20:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories
MaryR wrote:
I'm afraid I found TTW unbearably sad


Yes, it was certainly heart-wrenching - should have put a 3-hanky warning up alongside the recommendation :)
Author:  Tara [ 31 May 2009, 23:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories
My first thought was dementia, too - I spend too much time with elderly friends suffering from it! Looking forward to seeing what really happens.
Author:  jmc [ 01 Jun 2009, 09:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories
Jo quickly looked round expecting to see someone behind her but the boy ran straight over to her and jumped into her lap.

“Grandma. We walked ever so far and I saw Aunty Hilda and Aunty Nell in front of the school. Grandma, I’m hungry now. Can I eat something?”

Jo just stared at the boy. He had red hair and looked to be about 4 years old and she had never seen him before.

“Grandma. Let’s go get something to eat now. I’m hungry.” There was a quiver in the little boy’s voice now.

Jo just looked at him blankly.

“Grandma? Say somefink.” His lower lip had started to tremble and there were tears forming in his eyes.

“Who are you?” Jo gasped.

The little boy laughed now thinking that she was playing at game. A young woman then walked into the room followed by a little red haired girl.

“I told you to wait for us to take our coats off Tom,” said the young women laughing. “Quick, go and take yours off and make sure you hang it up. Hi Mamma, are you ready for the little scallywags today?”

Jo couldn’t say anything. Why were these people calling her Mamma and Grandma?

“Mamma? Mamma, are you alright? You are very flushed. Have you had some bad news?” The young woman was looking at her anxiously. The little girl was right behind her and was looking at her with big eyes and was chewing on her thumb.

Tom ran back into the room. “Grandma and I are playing a game,” he said excitedly. Grandma says she doesn’t know who I am. What am I Grandma?” Tom got down on his knees and started crawling around on the floor roaring like a lion.

The little girl then said loudly, “Me want to play too” and she then started crawling round on the floor pretending to wash her face with a hand and miaowing like a cat.

The young women with a quick look at Jo told the kids to go to the nursery. They left quickly although they were plainly not happy. But they knew when their mother spoke in a certain tone it was best to do what she wanted as soon as possible.

"Mamma what’s wrong?" The young woman was asking.

Jo was finding it hard to concentrate. Her head which had been aching when she woke up was now throbbing hard. She also felt quite warm. All she wanted to do was lay down again. She closed her eyes.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 01 Jun 2009, 10:00 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories Updated 01/06
Why do I get the feeling this is going to get much sadder? I can't wait for the next update (already :roll:).

Thankyou!
Author:  PaulineS [ 01 Jun 2009, 11:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories Updated 01/06
Is Joey suffering from a series of minor strokes?
How frightening for the children. Glad their mother could send them away safely.
Author:  keren [ 01 Jun 2009, 14:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories Updated 01/06
Its all Sci-Fi!

Why do people who like CS also like Sci-fi?

alternate worlds?
Author:  jmc [ 02 Jun 2009, 07:48 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories Updated 01/06
The illness that Jo has is very loosely based on reality, however, I have exaggerated the effects of the illness to suit my own purposes. I could have achieved the same effect with a blow on the head but did not want her to have head trauma and have to go through that recovery period. It’s too painful and recovery can take too long. Have been there and done that.J

Jo woke up and found she was lying down again. Her head was not hurting any more and she felt much cooler. The room she was in now was white and she was lying in a narrow bed. The lights had been dimmed and there was a shade over the window. "I must be in the san," she thought. "I hope Madge hasn’t been too worried. Wonder what it was this time. I don’t remember going out in the cold or anything."

At this point a nurse came into the room. ‘Oh you’re awake Jo,” she said. “How are you feeling now? Jack was extremely worried about you as has Len.”

Jo looked back at her. “I feel OK, though a bit weak.” she said cautiously. “Has Dr Jack been looking after me? What about Jem? And who’s Len?”

At this statement the nurse’s eyebrows raised up and she gave Jo a startled glance. “What's your name?’ she asked rapidly. “And what year is it?”

“My name?” asked Jo in bewilderment. “Josephine Bettany. And the year is 1935”

“I’ll be back in a minute,” and with that the nurse rushed from the room.

Jo lay there apprehensively. A few minutes passed and then a doctor came into the room. Jo didn’t recognise him at all. He came over to her bedside and took her pulse. Then he looked into her eyes, told her to stick out her tongue and then he stuck a thermometer in her mouth. After a minute during which he made some notes he took it out of her mouth and looked at it remarking, “All normal now although you gave us a fright a few times when you first came in.”

“Sorry doctor I don’t know your name. Are you new here at the Sonnalpe? What’s wrong with me?”

“Jo what do you remember before waking up here?”

Jo spoke slowly, “I was playing in the nursery all morning with the kids. Rix had been grumpy and had been naughty all morning. I had a bit of a headache so I though I would go for a stroll across the Sonnalpe to clear the cobwebs and I though I might pop in and see Gisela if she was home. “

“Jo, my name is Phil Graves. I am one of the doctors employed here at the Platz. We will need to do some more tests but it looks as though you have some form of amnesia.”

“Amnesia. But that’s memory loss. I haven’t lost my memory. I remember everything very clearly.”

“Jo how old are you?” asked the doctor quietly.

“ I’m nearly 18” said Jo panic starting to cross her features now.

“No Jo you are not. You are 49 years old and it is 1966”

“That’s impossible! “ Jo was starting to thrash about now she was getting so agitated. She tried to climb out of bed. As she sat up though a wave of dizziness overwhelmed her. Phil stepped forward quickly and held her and with one hand he pushed a needle into her arm. Jo relaxed in his arms and he gently laid her back in the bed.

“What am I going to tell Jack?“ he said to the nurse who had been hovering near the doorway ready to help if needed.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 02 Jun 2009, 07:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/06)
Well, there's some of the mystery explained. But how on earth are Jack et al. going to cope with this?

Thanks, this is intriguing and most addictive.
Author:  PaulineS [ 02 Jun 2009, 12:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/06)
Thanks for the regular updates. It must be scary to loss 31 years.
Author:  MaryR [ 02 Jun 2009, 16:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/06)
Poor Jo - what a shock! But presumably the doctors have met this before and will have some idea of what to do. Hopefully! :cry:

Thanks, Jo.
Author:  blue1 [ 02 Jun 2009, 19:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/06)
Thanks, this is interesting. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Author:  jmc [ 03 Jun 2009, 09:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/06)
Thanks for all the comments. I started out with an idea of something short and lighthearted so I don't know where this came from

Jo woke again. As the groggy feeling started to go away she began to remember a strange conversation with a doctor telling her that she had amnesia and that she was forty-nine. What a horrible nightmare she thought as she closed her eyes again.

“Joey? Jo can you hear me?” She knew this voice.

Jo opened her eyes. The face peering at her was familiar, yet not familiar.

“Jack?” she asked thinking her eyes were playing tricks on her. He looked so old with greying hair and wrinkles starting to appear round his face.

“Yes it’s me Jack. Jo it’s all true. You do have amnesia. We quite sure yet what bought it on or how long it will last. After you collapsed at home, Len called an ambulance. You had a high fever and were semi conscious. You roused enough at one point to tell us that you had a severe headache and you had an aversion to light. You were placed in an isolation ward. You have been here for two weeks now.”

Jo closed her eyes again and processed the information that he had given her. It couldn’t be true. It just couldn’t. How could she not remember 30 odd years of her life? She had no idea of what sort of person she was now or even where she was.

“Jack, am I still at the Sonnalpe? No wait, that other doctor said something about the Platz.”

“Jo you haven’t been at the Sonnalpe for nearly 30 years. You are currently in the san at the Gornetz Platz which is in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. Look Madge is flying over as soon as she can. She will tell you more. I think you will find things easier coming from her.”

With that Jack told Jo that she should have another rest and to make sure of this he gave her a drink and told her to drink up. Jo did as she was told despite all the questions whirling round in her brain. Her last thought before she fell asleep was “Flying in from where?”

When she woke it was the next morning and although still weak Jo was feeling pretty good. A young nurse came into her room with a tray and put it on a table next to her bed.

“Here you go Mrs Maynard. Breakfast. Eat up and your husband and Dr Graves will be in soon.” And with that she walked out.
Author:  abbeybufo [ 03 Jun 2009, 09:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/06)
Even such a simple thing as being matter-of-factly called Mrs Maynard will seem strange to Jo :shock:

This is fascinating jmc - thanks :D
Author:  Joanne [ 03 Jun 2009, 09:31 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/06)
Oh dear, had she even been told she was married to Jack? That nurse may have just dropped a bombshell.

This is very good, thank you.
Author:  JellySheep [ 03 Jun 2009, 09:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/06)
This is really good, and thought-provoking - but I'm worried about Jo, and about how everyone else will react to her not knowing them.
Author:  Celia [ 03 Jun 2009, 09:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/06)
How scary and confusing each waking moment must be for Jo right now.

Thank you JMC
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 03 Jun 2009, 09:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/06)
Poor Joey, that must be such a horrible feeling. But she still recognises Jack and, presumably, will Madge, so at least she has somewhere she can start from.

I hope that things get better soon :cry:
Author:  Cath V-P [ 03 Jun 2009, 12:26 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/06)
How terrifying, to lose thirty years like that, and to have no idea of who and where you are.... :(
Author:  JB [ 03 Jun 2009, 19:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/06)
Poor Jo. That was a little insensitive of the nurse.
Author:  Tara [ 03 Jun 2009, 21:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/06)
Ooops. And after Jack had been so careful, too! This must be absolutely terrifying for Jo.

Very interesting, jmc. Am about to go away for a fortnight and very much look forward to catching up when I come back.
Author:  Nightwing [ 03 Jun 2009, 21:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/06)
Thank jmc, I'm really enjoying this. I can't wait for Jo to find out about her long family... :twisted:
Author:  jmc [ 04 Jun 2009, 06:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/06)
I haven't written much more and as I am supposed to be writing reports I might not be able to post as frequently as I have been.

Jo stared at the door in shock. The nurse had called her Mrs Maynard. Jack was her husband? That couldn’t be right. Jo had had no intentions of getting married. Jack was a good friend but she had no feelings for him in any other way. He was also way too old for her. Yes, he was one of the younger doctors at the san but she had known him for years.

Jo’s head was starting to pound. What else didn’t she know? What else had happened in the last 30 years? She felt sick suddenly. She didn’t know anything. And it wasn’t just her life. What of Madge and Dick. At least she knew that Madge was alive as Jack had mentioned that she would be flying in. And what of David, Rix, Peggy etc. She had no idea of what they were like now. Were they married with children of their own now? And the Robin. Her darling Robin.

Jo started to sob. How could this have happened to her? And what was going to happen to her now?

Jack walked into the room at this point and looked with distress at his wife crying. He hated to see Jo like this. It was hard on him as well knowing that she remembered nothing of their life together. Of their home and their children. He wished that Madge could be her now as it was to her that Jo needed to turn to. Jo with the memories of her life that she currently possessed would really have only Madge to turn to. To Jo, her brother was in India and Madge and Jem were the only parents like figures that she knew. Even the staff at the school would be unable to help as in her mind they were still very much her teachers and not the friends that they were now.

Jack had spoken to Jem on the phone as he and Madge we about to leave for the airport. Jem had warned him not to let Jo know too much at this stage. He was worried that the shock might make her ill again.

Jack looked at his wife and said quietly “Jo.”

Jo looked up at him through red eyes and though her sobs asked him if it was true.

“Yes it is true that you have amnesia and that you are 49.” He replied.

“No no not that!” cried Jo. “Is it true that I am married to you?’

“Yes. We have been married since 1938. Is your memory starting to come back?” Jack could not help feeling a bit relieved. It looked like Jo would be alright.

“No the nurse called me Mrs Maynard when she bought the tray in” sobbed Jo

Jack silently cursed the nurse for giving her this information. He thought that all staff had been warned to be very careful when speaking to Jo. It was going to be difficult enough for her as it was. She needed to be told about her life in structured way not with random bits of information. Jack dreaded having to tell her about the children. How would she react?
Author:  di [ 04 Jun 2009, 07:11 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/06)
This is good!! Poor Joey, what will she do when she is told that she has goodness knows how many children AND grandchildren!!
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 04 Jun 2009, 09:26 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/06)
:shock: I wonder if Joey's first response now will still be a breezy "Am I not brilliant with my army of children?" Somehow, I think not.

Poor Joey, and poor Jack *hugs both* It must be so difficult to lose someone in that way. I hope Madge can help!
Author:  abbeybufo [ 04 Jun 2009, 11:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/06)
I thought the nurse was out of order there :shock:

Thanks jmc :D

[we'll love to have more, but understand if RL is preventing it at the moment :) ]
Author:  MaryR [ 04 Jun 2009, 17:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/06)
I can't begin to imagine what this must be like for Jo. How can you feel like a wife and mother when you have the feelings of a schoolgirl?

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  jmc [ 05 Jun 2009, 08:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/06)
It's Friday night so I really can't be bothered writing reports. That's what the long weekend is for. So I thought I most post a bit more.

Len was upset because she couldn’t go near her mother. Len and her children were still in quarantine as there was a strong worry that Jo had had something infectious. They were fine though and were due to go home the next day. With a memory of her own school days and something similar, Len was running a school to try and keep them occupied. This was a much for herself as the children.

Jack and Jo’s younger children had only been told that their mother was ill as this stage. They knew nothing of the memory loss. The girls were at the Chalet School while the younger boys were at school in England. Dick had been to tell them that their mother was ill as well as Charles and Stephen who were both in England. They hadn’t yet got hold of Mike on his ship yet as they were waiting for some definite news. Con was at Freudesheim looking after things there. The magazine where she worked had said that she could write a series of articles on the tourist in Switzerland for them while she waited for news. Jack wasn’t quite sure where Margot was at this stage but had passed a message on to her convent. The mother superior there has promised to let her know. Anna was also being watched carefully as were the staff and students at the school. But so far no one else was sick.

Jack needed to calm Jo down but he wasn’t sure at this stage that he was the right person so he called Phil in to Jo’s room.

“Jo you need to calm down,” said Phil gently.

“I can’t. I don’t know anything about my life. I don’t even know what I look like.”

“You haven’t changed very much over the years. Yes you have gotten older but you are still very recognisable as Jo Bettany”

“But I’m not Jo Bettany any more. I’m Jo Maynard.” And her sobs grew louder.

“Yes you are. But in many ways you are still Jo Bettany. Now Jo you need to calm down or I will have to dose you with something again.”

Jo gulped and tried to stifle her sobs. After a couple of minutes she had stopped crying and had lain back in her bed exhausted by the violent outburst.

“When will my sister be here? Where is she coming from?” she asked when she felt she could speak again.

She is coming from Australia and both she and Sir James should be here tomorrow.

Jo’s eyes grew wide at the mention of Sir James and with a slight grin asked “Does that mean my sister is now Lady Russell?”
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 05 Jun 2009, 09:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/06)
Joey being told before she's dosed? :shock: She really is ill!

Thanks, jmc, this continues to be very addictive! It's nice to see Joey finding one change to be happy about.
Author:  JS [ 05 Jun 2009, 09:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/06)
She'll be upset about not being able to see The Robin, though. :(
Author:  Lesley [ 05 Jun 2009, 15:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/06)
It must be really terrifying for her - and all those that she would normally be able to turn to she cannot remember. Loved the reation to 'Lady Russell' :lol:

Thanks jmc
Author:  leahbelle [ 05 Jun 2009, 16:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/06)
I can't imagine how scared Jo must be. Horrible for her. Thanks!
Author:  di [ 05 Jun 2009, 17:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/06)
Scary for Jo, no doubt, but I feel for the children; it will be dreadful for them if they know their doting mama doesn't have a clue about them. No doubt Lady and Sir Russell will have some useful advice for Jack and Phil.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  jmc [ 06 Jun 2009, 09:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/06)
Jo spent a restless day. Nurses were in and out of her room constantly and seemed strangely reluctant to talk to her much. They kept their comments very general and only called her Jo she noticed. The only doctor that she saw was Phil Graves, although she heard Jack Maynard’s voice a few times outside her room. She asked him to tell her more about herself but he told her to relax and try and get some sleep. Jo was frustrated at not being given information, although she understood the reasons and she hated bed at the best of times. She couldn’t wait to see her sister.

Jo realised that her hair was extremely long and although still black it had streaks of grey through it. Her hands looked very different as well. They were not the hands of a young girl any more. She was too scared to ask for a mirror as she was worried that she might not recognise herself.

Jo slept soundly that night but that was mainly due to something that was slipped into her drink. Jo woke up feeling a bit dazed but this wore off fairly quickly. Early afternoon, she heard voices coming towards her room and in walked Madge. By her side leaning on a cane was Jem. Although they were so much older, Jo would have recognised them anywhere. Madge’s face was quite unlined but her hair was completely grey. Jem’s hair was a white and both he and Madge were wearing glasses. Madge came quickly to Jo’s side and looking down at her, grasped her hand.

“Well Joey, what have you done to yourself this time?” she asked.
“Oh Madge! I’m so glad you are here,” said Joey as tears started to slide down her face. “I can’t believe it. I don’t remember anything. How can I not remember?”

“Jo it is going to be difficult for you. Your life and indeed the world have both changed greatly since you were 18. But I am here to help you. I’ll stay as long as you need me”

“Madge, tell me. Am I really married to Jack?”

“Yes my darling you are.”

“Do we have children?”

At this Madge hesitated. Joey at 18 had been so young really and she had always maintained that she would never marry and have children. She remembered what a fuss there had been when Jo was appointed head girl as she had not wanted to grow up. She had never shown any interest in boys and even though the year as head girl had changed her outlook in many ways she had remained a baby in many others. Now she was going to have to grow up very quickly and Madge was worried what it would do to her already fragile mind.

“Well…” said Jo impatiently.

“Yes you do,” Madge said slowly. “You have 11”
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 06 Jun 2009, 09:17 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/06)
asjhshdkasojn You can't leave it there!
Author:  di [ 06 Jun 2009, 10:12 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/06)
Nice one, Madge. Straight to the point. How will Joey react to knowing she has 11 children? - What about all the ones she's taken under her wing and adopted?!!! My goodness it's enough to send her straight back to whatever state of unconsciousness she was in! :lol:
Thanks, jmc, for the update.
Author:  Joanne [ 06 Jun 2009, 11:26 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/06)
Perhaps they think the shock of hearing about the children might bring her memory back!
Author:  Lesley [ 06 Jun 2009, 11:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/06)
Yes, that's enough to cause her to either have a relapse or to shock her memory back in its entirety! :lol:


Strange that the obvious physical changes to both Madge and Jem are not as shocking to her as her own.
Author:  shazwales [ 06 Jun 2009, 15:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/06)
Thanks jmc really enjoying this.
Author:  Pat [ 06 Jun 2009, 20:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/06)
Lesley wrote:
Strange that the obvious physical changes to both Madge and Jem are not as shocking to her as her own.


I suppose the fact that she's been told so much time has passed has prepared her for the changes to some extent.
Author:  PaulineS [ 06 Jun 2009, 21:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/06)
Poor Joey, I suppose seeing her own hair is going grey and is long when she always wore it short, is sinking in and she has seen how Jack has aged, so can accept that Madge and Jem have aged.

It seems that Joey is realising that she has lost thirty years memory.

Thanks for the updates.
Author:  Nightwing [ 06 Jun 2009, 21:31 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/06)
Poor Jack, not being able to see his own wife in case it upsets her too much.

I really want to know how Jo's going to react to hearing the news of her long family!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 06 Jun 2009, 21:31 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/06)
Poor Joey, this must be so hard for her. Glad Madge has finally arrived to help her through it
Author:  jmc [ 07 Jun 2009, 05:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/06)
Hey who’s been peeking at my word doc. People keep mentioning things that I have included for later posts. Just a short post today though I have managed to write a bit more. Really really don't want to write reports.

Jo looked at her in shock. “If that’s your idea of a joke then I don’t think it is very funny. I can believe that I am married to Jack if I have to, but to try and tell me that I have 11 children. That’s just too unbelievable. Jem, how many children do I really have?”

Jem looked at Madge. “Jo, your sister would not joke about a matter like this. You have 11 children. Six girls and five boys.”

Jo leaned back into her pillows and closed her eyes while Madge and Jem looked at her anxiously. Then Jo started laughing but it was a desperate laugh. “I am married to Jack Maynard and I have 11 children. No it can’t be true. I don’t want to get married and I don’t want children. And I especially don’t want 11 of them.” Jo then started to cry again. Madge pulled her into her arms. Jo hugged her to her tightly all the while whispering, “Not 11. Not 11.”

Eventually Jo’s sobs stopped and she pulled away from Madge. “I never in all my wildest dreams thought that my life would turn out like this and I don’t really know anything about myself or my life yet. “

“We will just take things slowly Jo,” said Madge. “Do you want to see Jack?”

“I don’t think I can face him at the minute,” said Jo

Jack had been standing outside the door listening. At these words his face fell. Jem slipped out the door to talk to him. Jack was in shock over what had happened to his wife and Jem felt he needed some support, especially after Jo's last comment.
Author:  di [ 07 Jun 2009, 07:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/06)
I feel sorry for Jack. What must it be like- to go to work with your world all in order and to return to a wife that doesn't only not remember you but doesn't want to be married to you nor be the mother of your 11 children. Scary or what?!
thanks, jmc, am enjoying this.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 07 Jun 2009, 08:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/06)
The silver lining is, I guess, that Jack is a doctor, so he can at least explain why Joey is doing this - it would be hard not to take it personally, but he can understand better than most people why Joey isn't Joey at the moment.

This is so heartbreaking :cry:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 07 Jun 2009, 10:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/06)
Poor Jack and poor Joey. Hopefully Joey will get her head around the idea of 11 kids and fall in love with Jack all over again. I suspect she'll accept her children more than Jack
Author:  Lesley [ 07 Jun 2009, 13:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/06)
Poor Jack, he's going find it hard not to take it personally and must be desperately worried. Must admit I'd react in the same way if someone told me I had eleven children! :shock:


Thanks jmc
Author:  PaulineS [ 07 Jun 2009, 20:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/06)
Quote:
I can believe that I am married to Jack if I have to, but to try and tell me that I have 11 children.


At least Jo can believe she is married to Jack. I think she is finding it difficult to face him as the father of her eleven children. Hope Madge can help Joey and Jem help Jack.
Author:  jmc [ 07 Jun 2009, 23:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/06)
“Ok then, what would you like to ask,” said Madge.

Jo’s face looked thoughtful. “I don’t know where to start. There is just so much that I want to know.”

There was silence in the room for a few minutes. “Ok got one. How is the Robin? Is she near here and can she come to see me?”

“Robin is very well. I had a letter from her last week. Jo I am really sorry to have to tell you this but she is a nun in Toronto,” said Madge watching Jo anxiously. She was worried that her sister would again burst into tears as she and Robin had been so close.

“Toronto! As in Toronto Canada,” exclaimed Jo.”Why on earth is she in Canada? The nun bit I can understand I guess. But Canada? I never thought Rob would go so far away.”

“A number of years ago Jem and I were invited to a conference in Toronto. You and Jack followed after a while and it came about from that,” said Madge.

At Jack’s name Jo’s face took on a mutinous expression which Madge noticed. Reconciling Jo to her life was going to be difficult. She resolved that for the moment that she would steer the conversation away from Jack and their children. She would wait until Jo bought it up again.

“Do I see Rob at all?”

“She goes by the name of Soeur Marie-Cécile now and is in a teaching order. I know that she writes to you and that she misses you but you haven’t seen her since she entered the order. Jem and I saw her once a couple of years ago when we went to Toronto a couple of years ago. She is very happy with her life there but wishes that she was closer to all of us,” replied Madge.

Jo’s head was whirling by this time. 11 children, married to Jack Maynard and not having the Robin close. Every time she found something out it seemed to be bad news. What had happened to all her plans for the future? She was going to be an author and was going to Elisaveta. Her sister and Jem looking so much older had also given her a shock. Seeing Madge really bought home to her that life had moved on and that she couldn’t remember it. Her sister was an old women and Jem had looked quite frail. For the first time she realised that people she knew and loved might not be round any more. Jo wasn’t so sure how much she could take.

“Will I get my memory back?” she suddenly and with a hint of desperation in her voice.

Jem had a said to Madge that a shock might bring Jo’s memory back to her, but had also warned that it could make her worse.

“Jem thinks you will get it back but may take some time. If it does it is likely to come in dribs and drabs. However, there is a risk that you may only regain some memories and in the worst case none at all. The san here is now a general hospital dealing with the tourist industry for the area. The doctors have been in contact with different specialists but no one can give a definitive answer. Unfortunately it is going to be a wait and see situation. Jem also said that a shock might also bring your memory back but that it might also set you back,” said Madge

“Well you would think that finding out you were married and have 11 children might be considered a big shock,” said Jo. “And that’s done nothing to help.”

Madge wondered if she should try telling her about the numerous wards and the 2 grandchildren she also had but decided not to at present. Jo looked like she had had enough.

“Jo remember that you were not bought up to be a spineless jellyfish. Try and be strong.”

“A what? Madge where on earth did you get that expression from? “
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 08 Jun 2009, 05:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/06)
Love the last comment about spineless jellyfish :lol: Didn't that first come up in Joey first term of teaching? Her life did change so much from what she expected
Author:  di [ 08 Jun 2009, 06:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/06)
How can she have forgotten Matey! It's going to be an uphill struggle for those caring for Joey- if a shock has the possibility of making the damage worse how on earth are they going to tell her about her life? One good thing, I suppose, will be when she finds out she's been a successful writer.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Lesley [ 08 Jun 2009, 06:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/06)
I wonder how she will cope with hearing about the War and that so many of her friends were lost. :cry:


Thanks jmc
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 08 Jun 2009, 10:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/06)
I want to know how the school isn't going to cope without Joey there to remember any of them - after all, without her strong connection to it, why is she going to care as much as she did? Poor Joey, she still has so much to learn, and it must be so difficult.
Author:  PaulineS [ 08 Jun 2009, 11:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/06)
Joey needs to know she is an author as well as a mother. If Madge can tell her what she achieved of her teenage ambitions to reasure her she is still Joey. (That sentence is not up to Hilda's standard, but I hope it is clear.)
Author:  JS [ 08 Jun 2009, 14:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/06)
Am now wondering what shock might bring her memory back....

Thanks for this. :)
Author:  jonty [ 08 Jun 2009, 15:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/06)
Poor Joey. At 18, 49 seems so old - she must feel as if she's lost the best years of her life. I wonder how they'll tell the rest of the children. Thanks, jmc.
Author:  keren [ 08 Jun 2009, 15:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/06)
In 30 years so much has happened, at least she is still an author, but if she asks about Belsornia??? It does not even exist any more!
Many other things that happened as a result of the war
Mademoiselle???
Author:  jmc [ 08 Jun 2009, 22:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/06)
Madge just looked at Jo. She hadn’t realised just how difficult it would be to have a conversation. There were so many things that she took for granted now that Jo would have no idea of at all. Any little thing could shock Jo. She remember how that particular expression had come about and realised that Jo would have to find about Therese and others like Herr Marini, Luigia di Ferrara, Gwynneth Lloyd just to name a few. Jo had missed World War 2 and the reports of what happened in her beloved Austria would be distressing for her to hear.

“Just an expression that came a bit of a legend at the school at one stage. I’ll explain it one day but not now. I really think you should have a bit of a rest now.

The nurse then bought in tea for the pair of them and Jo sipped at her tea while contemplating what Madge had told about Robin and what she could ask about next. Rufus she realised sadly would have died long ago. What about her friends? Why was she in Switzerland?

“Jo I think it is time you had some rest. I am sure your head is aching now.”

“I couldn’t sleep if you paid me,” said Jo although she was already yawning.

Madge sat with her until she fell asleep and then left the room and went to Jack’s office. Jack and Jem were sitting round the desk and the mood was somber.

“Thanks for sending that tea in. I’m guessing that you put something in it,” said Madge. “Jack how are you?”

“I feel as though my whole life has fallen apart,” he said quietly. “I’ve had to tell the kids that their mother doesn’t remember them. Oh I haven’t told the youngest ones yet. I just told them that she is awake again but not well enough to see them yet. It would shatter them. The others have taken it hard enough. Len I think is finding it the hardest as she saw Jo before she was admitted and actually saw that her mother didn’t recognise her. She said that Jo just had a vacant expression in her eyes. I don’t know what to do. She doesn’t want to see me.”

Jo woke up early the next morning and pondered over what had happened the day before. “Ok this has happened and I will just have to deal with it,” she thought to herself. She thought back to the weird expression that Madge had used. “A spineless jelly fish? Well I definitely don’t want to become one of them. I think I have cried more in the last couple of days than I have ever cried before. It’s now time to try and be more positive Jo my girl. You’re not dead and you still have a life to lead, even if it is a strange and different life to what you thought. First step is to get out of this bed.

“Here you go. I bought you something to read,” said Madge as she walked in to see Jo early the next morning and with that Madge handed Jo a book.

Jo took the book and put it down beside her without even looking at it. “Madge I have been thinking. I know it’s going to be difficult but I need to get on with my life. My memory may come back soon or it may not. I can’t just lay here feeling sorry for myself. Madge will you help me? Fill me in on what I have missed. Teach me about the kind of women I have become.”

“I will do anything to help you Jo. And I think you will find that there are a lot of other people who will help as well. You might not remember all of them but they remember you. Now the first thing I think you should do is read that book that I gave you when I came in.”

“You want me to read? Madge I don’t think I can. I couldn’t concentrate.”

“Have a look at it. I think you will find that you can read this book,” said Madge with a smile on her face.

Jo looked at the cover of the book tentatively and for the first time since she had lost her memory her face had a large grin.
Author:  di [ 09 Jun 2009, 06:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/06)
Well done, Joey. Onwards and upwards as they say. Now, what is the book? One of her own or perhaps the book of Saints she loved so much in her younger days.
Look forward to the next bulletin on her health, jmc, and thanks. :)
Author:  keren [ 09 Jun 2009, 08:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/06)
I think it is Cicily holds the fort...
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 09 Jun 2009, 09:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/06)
I'm also voting for one of Joey's books - though perhaps one a bit later than Cecily? After all, they're supposed to be based on her own experiences, aren't they, so a later one might trigger some later memories?

It's good to see Joey starting to pull together - I just hope she can let Jack in to help her.
Author:  JS [ 09 Jun 2009, 11:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/06)
Nancy Meets a Nazi might fill in a few gaps - but probably too many at once!

Poor Matey gone :(
Author:  Lesley [ 09 Jun 2009, 11:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/06)
Yes, giving Jo one of her own books will help - but she still has so much to discover- much of it sad. :cry:
Author:  keren [ 09 Jun 2009, 12:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/06)
JS wrote:
Nancy Meets a Nazi might fill in a few gaps - but probably too many at once!

Poor Matey gone :(


Madge, what's a Nazi?
Author:  PaulineS [ 09 Jun 2009, 20:23 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/06)
If it is one of her own that will reassure her that she is an author. Come back and tell us what the book is soon.
Author:  jmc [ 09 Jun 2009, 22:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/06)
Just a baby post today. Thanks for all the comments. This is my first drabble so I wasn't too sure about it. Keren was right about the book.

Madge left Jo to read Cecily Holds the Fort. When she popped back in a bit later Jo was still reading. “So I did it then. I managed to become an author.”

“Yes you did. The one you are reading now is your first book, written I believe in the term after you left school. So about the age you think you are now. Everyone was so proud of you when it came out. You have written many more and not all of them were children’s stories. You have written a few historical novels and you were the editor from a volume of Children’s poetry. One of your historical novels has also recently been adapted for film and you served as an advisor on that.”

“You know Madge, after yesterday I felt that everything about my life now was doom and gloom but to know that I actually succeeded in achieving one of my dreams goes a long way to combating that.”

“Shall I leave you to your reading?” asked Madge

“Thanks, come back after lunch would you Lady Russell.”

“So you know about that do you?” said Madge turning slightly pink.

“Dr Graves gave it away the other day. By the way, how long have you been in Australia? You have started to develop a bit of a twang.”
Author:  shazwales [ 09 Jun 2009, 22:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/06)
Nice to see that Jo is getting her sense of humor back and moving forward.Thank you.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 09 Jun 2009, 22:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/06)
Well done Joey for starting to think more positively, that would be so hard and well done Madge for thinking of the book

Thanks
Author:  di [ 10 Jun 2009, 06:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/06)
It's good to see Joey hasn't lost her sense of humour and is beginning to deal with her memory loss more positively. So many gaps to fill in though and she still has to accept the 11 children and numerous wards.
Thanks, jmc for such regular updates especially as I get to read them over my [very] early morning cup of tea!!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 10 Jun 2009, 08:57 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/06)
Echoes the others in saying that it's nice to see Joey starting to regain her humour a little bit.

Thankyou.
Author:  JS [ 10 Jun 2009, 09:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/06)
I'm also loving the daily updates; perfect (late) breakfast reading.
Author:  Lesley [ 10 Jun 2009, 09:31 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/06)
That's nice - though I bet Madge will not be pleased to hear she has developed an accent! :lol:


Thanks jmc
Author:  abbeybufo [ 10 Jun 2009, 16:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/06)
Lesley wrote:
- though I bet Madge will not be pleased to hear she has developed an accent! :lol:


Just what I was thinking :lol:

Thanks jmc :D
Author:  crystaltips [ 10 Jun 2009, 20:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/06)
Just caught up on several pages of this. Glad Madge gave Jo the book so she can start to realise what she has achieved - I wonder if 11 children & numerous wards can be called an achievement? At least she can be proud of taking in so many kids who needed help & support.

Thanks jmc
Author:  jmc [ 11 Jun 2009, 03:57 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/06)
Madge gave go a disgusted look as she left the room. She sought out Jack and said, “Well she’s still Jo all right. Just as incorrigible as I remember her from that age. I had forgotten how irritating she could be at times.” Then she stalked off and left Jack behind her wondering just what his wife had said.

After lunch Madge came back to visit Jo and was surprised to find her sitting in a chair near the window.

“You’re out of bed.”

“Madge you know that I hate laying about. If I am going to get better it won’t happen if I just lay there. Getting out of here and into the real world might help me. Seeing where I live and being amongst the people who know me. Anything that may jog my memory.”

“Just make sure you take it slowly. You have been here for 2 ½ weeks now so you are bound to be feeling a bit weak. You can be a bit like a bull in a china shop at times you know”

Madge was relieved to see Jo looking a happier but was disappointed that she hadn’t yet asked about her children or Jack. She seemed to be steering away from the topic of children altogether as she hadn’t even asked about any or her nieces or nephews. It was as though the topic scared her. Madge decided that until Jo asked her directly she would stick to more general topics.

“Madge why am I in Switzerland?” asked Jo suddenly.

“You live here as Jack is head of the san and have done so for many years now,” replied Madge.

“Yes but why is the san in Switzerland? What happened to Austria?” asked Jo completely ignoring the reference to Jack.

“That Jo is a long story. The san was forced to move from Austria due to a war. It was then set up in Wales and then we decided to set up another branch here. Both of them have had to diversify over the years as new drugs have been developed to fight TB. We are winning the fight now.” Madge was not sure how much to tell Jo of World War Two at this stage. She certainly did not want to tell her of the narrow escape that Jo had had in escaping the Nazis. Jo might find it a bit hard to believe as she had had no idea of the political unrest there had been when she was eighteen. It would also lead back to Jack.

“A war! Was it bad? Well what of the school then? It the san had to move I should imagine that the school did too.”

Madge went on to explain about the school moving with the san and how the two had been linked together ever since. “But that is about to change. The world has changed so much in the last few years and even with the booming tourist industry life up here is fairly isolated. The school board feels the girls need to be able to get out more so we are looking for a place closer to one of the Swiss cities. We hope to be able to move the school in the next year or so.”

“I’m glad the school is still around. What about this war then? Why did the school and the san both have to move.”

“Jo it is getting too late to go into much detail about it, but it was a bad war. It is known as the Second World War and involved the whole of Europe as well as most of the Pacific. The easiest way for you to learn about it would be to read some of the history books about it. Do you want me to bring some in tomorrow? Some of the facts may be a bit distressing for you though. It was not a pleasant war, not that any war ever is, but there were things in this that were horrific.”

Jo nodded. A war that she knew nothing about was now history. But as it seemed to be responsible for her leaving Austria she thought she should know about it.

“Now, how about I take you around the hospital in a wheel chair for a bit? That way you won’t have to worry about getting too tired? It will do you good to get out of this room.”
Author:  di [ 11 Jun 2009, 06:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/06)
Thanks, jmc, for my morning top up. Glad Joey is up and about but hope the information about WW2 won't distress her too much.
Author:  Alison H [ 11 Jun 2009, 07:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/06)
Poor Joey- there's so much she doesn't know, and a lot of it's going to make very unpleasant reading.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 11 Jun 2009, 07:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/06)
Perhaps this will be the shock that Joey needed to recover her memory. Even if she can just remember having the triplets, and Jack being lost at sea, as heartbreaking as that will be it would give her a link to some of her family.

Thankyou, I can't wait to see where this goes.
Author:  Lesley [ 11 Jun 2009, 08:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/06)
Yes, a War that was fought on four continents (five if you count Hawaii as part of North America) might be enough to jolt Jo's memory.


Thanks jmc
Author:  leahbelle [ 11 Jun 2009, 13:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/06)
There's such a lot for Jo to learn about and try to recall. Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 12 Jun 2009, 01:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/06)
Poor Joey, but WWII will seem like a story not something real as she can't remember it. So as sad and tragic as it is, it won't have the same impact until she starts asking after old girls. At least Marie and Frieda are okay, but it will affect her about the Marani's all over again
Author:  jmc [ 12 Jun 2009, 01:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/06)
Half an hour later Jo was wrapped up warmly and was sitting in a wheel chair. While a nurse had been getting Jo ready Madge had had a quick chat with her husband and Jack.

“Sorry Jack but she still doesn’t want to talk about you or the kids,” said Madge. “But she has cheered up a bit. Taking in a book that she had written in was a good idea of yours. Let’s hope this next idea works out as well.”

“I thought long and hard about which book to give her. I originally thought of Nancy meets a Nazi but decided that Jo might not be ready for that yet. I settled on Cecily because that was her first book and because it was written not long after the last memories that she has,” replied Jack. “Not too sure about the next plan though. I’m a bit worried that it may upset her a bit too much.”

“We have to do it Jack. She needs to know.”

“I know,” said Jack. “But I hate seeing her all upset.”

“I agree totally. She is my baby sister after all. Now Jo has agreed to come out of her room for a bit so I’ll push her around in a chair. Nurse is getting her ready now,” said Madge.

“Jack and I have spoken to the all the staff. No one will talk to Jo about her family but will try to stick to general conversation, said Jem. “What about Len or Con? Are they likely to come here?”

"Len and her kids have gone home now and I have rung Len to let her know not to come up today. Unfortunately Tom is apparently giving her a hard time. He wants to come and see his Grandma and is not ready to take no for an answer. And now has mood has effected his sister and she is crying to see Grandma as well,” said Jack. “Poor Len is just about tearing her hair out.”

“I’ll pop along and see her later. Maybe having a visitor will distract the kids a bit,” said Madge. ‘I hear Tom is a bit like Mike. Always in some sort of trouble.”

Jo looked about her as she was wheeled about the hospital. The nurses were all busy and barely gave her another glance, though a few waved and smiled at her. She didn’t remember anyone though. As Madge pushed her past some large windows Jo stared the mountains outside.

As they were going past a room Jo heard some music being played. It was like nothing she had heard before. She asked Madge to stop for a second so that she could listen. She didn’t really know how she could even describe it. There was a young women, with her leg in plaster, in the room listening and she spotted Jo and said, “Oh hello, Do you like the Beatles too?”

“The who?” said Jo.

“No not The Who, although I like them too. The Beetles. You know John, George, Paul and Ringo. I wanted to go to a concert a couple of years ago but Mum wouldn’t let me. I had to be content with watching them on the telly.”

Jo didn’t know what to say to all this especially as she didn’t really understand any of it. She listened a bit longer to the music and then said to the girl, “Thanks, hope your leg gets better soon.”

“Madge what was that she was talking about.”

“The Beatles. They are a rock band. They are something of a phenomenon. Ailie just loves them.“

“I quite like what I heard. What’s that other thing she talked about? Telly?”

Madge then had to explain to her sister what a TV was. Jo looked quite excited about the fact. “Can I watch one soon. Maybe see some of the Beatles that girl was talking about. I mean I have to catch up on everything don’t I?”

Madge was wondering what Jo would say when she saw Elvis.

Jo was finally back in her room and although feeling a bit tired was quite pleased with her little foray. She had had coffee in the staff lounge area and chatted with a few patients who were out of their rooms. The conversations had all been pretty brief though as people didn’t quite now what to say when Jo said she had amnesia. She had dinner and settled down to read another of her school stories that Madge had bought her to read before settling down to sleep.
Author:  keren [ 12 Jun 2009, 04:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/06)
absolutely and completely a teenager!
Author:  Lesley [ 12 Jun 2009, 05:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/06)
What a difference to her old persona. :lol:


Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 12 Jun 2009, 06:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/06)
Had to smile about Madge wondering what Joey would make of Elvis :) I still wonder about him :lol:
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ 12 Jun 2009, 07:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/06)
Yes, I can imagine Ailie being a fan of the Beatles!

:lol: at the comment about Elvis.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 12 Jun 2009, 07:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/06)
I'm now picturing Madge "rocking out" to Elvis, much to Jem's astonishment :lol:

Thankyou
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 12 Jun 2009, 09:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/06)
Thanks, am really enjoying this
Author:  jmc [ 13 Jun 2009, 03:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/06)
Before going in to see Jo the next morning Madge sought out Jack. He was quite tense and had a large frown on his face.

“Are you sure about this Jack?”said Madge with a worried expression on her face. “Reading these history books could make her very upset. And she is bound to ask questions about her friends.”

“No I’m not sure. But as you said yesterday it has to be done sometime. She already knows there was a war and that both the school and the san had to leave Tirol because of it. It I think it is best of she hears about it from us and not from some random person. Phil is standing by. Also, although I loved Jo before she realised what I meant to her, it was that picnic that made her admit her feelings for me. I remember your shock at her words after that event,” said Jack.

It was still with some trepidation that Madge gave the books to Jo. “You may find this too much,” she warned. “There were so many lives lost and the war seemed to go on forever. We did win but it came at a very high price.” Madge then took out some knitting at sat down in a chair next to the bed.” I’m here if you need me or if you have any questions,” she said.

Jo opened the book and after a few moments began to read. Every so often she gave out a little cry and at points there were tears steaming down her cheeks. After about and hour and a half Madge said,” I think you have had enough for now. Lets have a cup of tea while you get yourself together.”

“I can’t believe that all this happened and I don’t remember it,” said Jo through her tears. Then with hesitation in her voice she asked about her friends. “I have this feeling you are going to give me bad news,” she said sadly. “Who?”

Speaking quietly Madge detailed what had happened to Herr Marini and the effect that this had had on his family. She also talked about Luigia di Ferrara and the escape of the Linders. She told Jo that there were others of whom they had never heard from again and how they were still wondering at their fates. She explained how the Nazi’s had caused the friendly atmosphere of Tyrol to become one of suspicion and fear. Jo grew whiter and whiter at the news. She told Jo that there were others that had been in the concentration camps but who had escaped. One of these she explained was Frieda’s husband.

“I think that’s enough for today,” said Madge firmly after looking at Jo’s face.

”That went better than expected.” said Madge in Jack’s office a bit later. “I honestly thought that we might have to dose her again but although shaken up and teary she seems to have accepted it.

“I guess not remembering living through it takes dilutes of the horror, said Jem. “Have you told her about Mademoiselle yet and her escape from Austria.”

“No I thought she had had enough. I haven’t told her about your sister yet either, or Karl Anserl of whom she was always very fond. But the war didn’t actually cause those deaths although they might have hastened them. I also haven’t told her about the Goldmanns and Vater Johann. What do you think about Nancy Meets a Nazi to read tomorrow?.Will it be rushing her too much? After all that really is her story.”

“Let’s just see how she is first,” replied Jack.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 13 Jun 2009, 07:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/06)
Poor Joey, that's so much tragedy to take on board
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 13 Jun 2009, 07:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/06)
Poor Joey - as well as everything else she has now realised just how little she remembers, as well.

Thankyou, this is so tenderly and realistically written.
Author:  Alison H [ 13 Jun 2009, 08:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/06)
Poor Joey - what a lot to have to take in.
Author:  di [ 13 Jun 2009, 08:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/06)
Echo all of the remarks before me. I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to lose your memory but I do feel for Joey reading about the war and beginning to come to terms with the loss of friends all over again.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Lesley [ 13 Jun 2009, 08:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/06)
(((((Joey)))))

Perhaps reading her book will help - she did say she found it cathartic when she wrote it.


Thanks jmc
Author:  jmc [ 14 Jun 2009, 01:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/06)
When Madge went back to see Jo in the afternoon she was once again sitting by the chair in the window. She had the history books on her lap and her face was still pale. She also had dried tear marks down her face.

“Are you OK?” she asked.

“Tell me about my family,” said Jo abruptly.

“Are you sure?” asked Madge surprised. This was not the response that she expected.

“Yes. Reading and hearing from you about what happened in Europe has made me realise how many families were torn apart. I still can’t remember them but I don’t want to tear my family apart. I will just have to get to know them all over again I guess. Now I have 11 kids. 6 girls and five boys was it?”

“Yes that’s right. When your first were born in 1939 you gave everyone such a shock. In fact I refused to believe it at first,” laughed Madge. “I thought you were pulling my leg but then you always did things in such a wholesale manner. Only you could have had triplets.”

“I had what!” gasped Jo. “Triplets?”

“Yes 3 girls, luckily not identical. And the games you played with their names just to annoy us. They all have the first name Mary and are commonly known by their second names. Helana commonly called Len, Constance or Con and Margaret or Margot.”

“So they were named after Miss Wilson, Miss Stewart and you?”

“Correct although Margaret is called Margot in honour of Jem’s sister who died not long after we left Austria. After all she had been through in Australia and then having to deal with the war as well. She just wasn’t strong enough Jo”

“Poor Daisy and Primula. And after all they had been through in Australia. What happened to them?” They lived at various times either with you or with Jack. Daisy is now a doctor and although married works up here at the san part time. Prim is also married.”

“If Daisy is around the san I’d like to see here I guess. How mad Jem was with me over that whole issue last term.” Jo suddenly realised what she had said. “I mean 30 years ago,” she said with a sigh. “Anyway back to my lengthy family.”

“You had 3 boys after that. No, not more triplets,” she said quickly seeing the expression on Jo’s face, “But 3 singles. Stephen, Charles and then Mike. Then you had twins Felix and Felicity. Then another girl, Cecil and finally more twins Geoff and Phil who by the way is a girl.”

Jo was looking slightly panicked at all this information. Madge reciting all of her children’s names in such a matter of a fact way bought home the fact that she actually was the mother of 11 children.

“How did I cope with so many kids? How did I have time to write any books?”
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 14 Jun 2009, 07:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/06)
Poor Jo, though at least she should remember Anna from Tyrol days
Author:  Alison H [ 14 Jun 2009, 08:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/06)
What a lot to have to take in.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 14 Jun 2009, 08:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/06)
Perhaps if Joey doe sregain her memory she'll stop boasting so much about her long family, now she knows how it feels to have that suddenly dropped on you.
Author:  Lesley [ 14 Jun 2009, 08:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/06)
She's taking it surprisingly well - and obviously both Nell Wilson and Con Syewart had a hugh effect on her at the age of 19 as she sees nothing wrong with naming her first born after them.


Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 14 Jun 2009, 15:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/06)
Yes. Joey is taking news about her family well - yet- no mention of Jack! I notice Madge didn't overwhelm her with the information about the three R's and all of the other wards. And- a thought has just crossed my mind - what about Mary-Lou!!! :lol: I wonder what she'll make of her. If she's stuck at 18 I would imagine she wouldn't have too much patience with the likes of Mary-Lou! :lol: :lol:
Thanks, again, jmc.
Author:  jmc [ 15 Jun 2009, 03:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/06)
Madge wasn’t quite sure how to respond. How could you tell your sister that much of the bringing up of the children had been left to others? Jo had had 11 children of her own and then there had been the 3 Richardsons, Adrienne Desmoines, Erica Standish and Claire as well as the numerous Chalet girls she had mothered other the years. Madge was just thankful that Jo had never had the quads the she had joked about for years.

“You had a lot of help,” was the best she could come up with.
Madge knew that she hadn’t been a perfect mother and she had a lot of difficulties with Sybil and Josette, in particular, when for her own selfish reasons she had dragged them off to Australia. It had taken the girls a long time to forgive her fully for that and Madge regretted her mistake now. Madge had never quite agreed with the way Jo bought her children up either though. She didn’t quite know why Jack and Jo had had so many children and it frustrated her when she kept going on and on about her long family and how she had beaten everyone.

Most of the work had been left to poor Anna and Rosli and Len too had felt burdened at times by the responsibilities placed upon her. Madge remembered a letter from Jo when Len had first gone to university. Jo had said how much she missed her three girls but had singled out Len in particular because she was so good with the other children. And to let Len get engaged before she had left school. The less said about that the better. Thankfully Len had broken off the engagement. True, she was now married to another young doctor who was working at the san but they were very happy.

Jo had been involved in the girl’s lives through the school but had in many ways neglected the boys. They had been shipped off to England when still young and only really returned home for their longer holidays. Other holidays had been spent with friends or with Dick and Mollie and their family. Madge and Jem had discussed Jo’s obsession with the school on a number of occasions and Madge had been heard to wish that Jack had not been made head of the san at the Platz. Jo was far too isolated up here and seemed to have little life outside the school. She mingled with some of the doctors and their wives but reserved most of her energy for the school. Madge had also about heard few complaints about her constant presence there, especially from some of the newer staff. Madge might now live in Australia but that didn’t mean she didn’t hear about what went on at the school.

Jack was talking about retiring soon, especially as the fight against TB was being won. He felt that he was too old to train in another specialty but would still consult if he was asked. He wanted to travel a bit but so far Jo had been resistant to the idea. She kept insisting that the school needed her and had even talked about moving with the school. Maybe if Jo got her memory back this illness would provide her with the jolt that she needed.

“Madge, Madge can you hear me. You look like you are miles away” Jo’s voice broke in over Madge’s musing. “Do you have any photos of them that I can see?” Maybe I’ll remember something if I see their pictures,” Jo said hopefully. “If not I could at least learn to put all their names to faces.”

“I think Jack has some photos in his office,” replied Madge. “Jo you are going to face up to the fact that you are married to Jack and that is has been a happy marriage. He is dreadfully worried about you and it is difficult for him as well. Although you didn’t die he feels as though he has lost you.”

“It just feels so odd. He was a good friend but I just never thought of him in that way.”

“Just take things slowly. Jack won’t pressure you about anything but he would be the best person to tell you about the kids you know. I have been away for so long now that I don’t know them as well as I used to.”

“Do I have to?” said Jo .She thought about it for minute and then said, “Ok if you think that would be best. But can I leave it until tomorrow?”

“Sure finish that book I gave you yesterday then.” Madge decided not to give Jo Nancy to read for the present moment as learning about her family was taxing enough on top of what she had already learnt that morning. She was concerned that they were going too fast. Jo was taking the information in, but not really reacting in any big way. Madge was worried that she would have find it all too much at some stage and have a relapse. She resolved to talk it out with Jack, Jem and Phil Graves when she left Jo.

“Could I get a radio like that girl had in here as well? I’d like to listen to some music. It will help to pass the time and will take my mind off the war. “Oh, and when can I watch that telly thing?”

Madge left to try and find a radio and also to talk over with about the progress that had been made as well as her worries.
Author:  di [ 15 Jun 2009, 06:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/06)
Mmmm! I am surprised Madge has recognised Joey's obsession with the school to the detriment of her own family, especially the boys.
I always had the impression that she [Madge] was wrapped up in her own family, especially Josette after the accident. I'm glad she realises that she handled Sybil wrongly after that event. I remember feeling so sorry for the child- her mother wrapped up with Josette and her father, who should have been comforting her, totally ignored her because of his anger. What Sybil did was wrong- she knew she shouldn't be handling a hot kettle of water but ,for goodness sake, she was only a little girl.
EBD always seemed to make her adult characters expect instant and constant obedience whereas we know children aren't little robots programmed for perfect behaviour!!
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ 15 Jun 2009, 07:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/06)
Glad that Madge has realised that both she and Joey have made mistakes.

It must be very weird to be told that you're married to someone you think of as a friend, maybe almost as a brother - far more weird than being told that you're married to a stranger, if that makes sense ...
Author:  JB [ 15 Jun 2009, 08:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/06)
I enjoyed seeing Madge's thoughts, there. I think you've captured the teenage Joey beautifully.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 15 Jun 2009, 09:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/06)
At least Joey has recognised that Jack would be the best person to talk to about her family, even if she doesn't want to.

Thankyou for the update
Author:  Pat [ 15 Jun 2009, 21:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/06)
Given Jo's total lack of interest in men when she was that age, it's not surprising that she has poblems relating to Jack now. I suspect she feels very embarassed, and unsure of how to deal with the situation, and how to talk to Jack at all.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 16 Jun 2009, 00:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/06)
Thanks this has been really interesting. Hope she does change how she behaves and this gives her the jolt she needs
Author:  jmc [ 16 Jun 2009, 04:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/06)
Sorry today's bit is fairlyshort.

The following morning Jack came into the room and sat down next to Jo. There was an awkward silence between them. He passed Jo some photos. “These are our children.”

Jo told the photos but didn’t start to look at them. She looked instead at Jack. He looked very tired.

“Jo, I know you don’t remember our life together but it was a good life, most of the time. We have had our ups and downs like most married couples. I miss you and I would like to teach you about our children. I can get Madge or someone else to come in if you like, but I would really like to do this, if you will let me,” he said with tears in his eyes.

Jo stared at him for a long moment and then said in a low voice, “Please tell me about my family.”

Jack spent the next hour with Jo. He had bought in some family albums. He started off with pictures of the triplets as babies and worked his way through all the children, telling her about their childhood. Through his stories and memories Jo began to see all her children as real people. She laughed at some of the stories he told such as dying herself green the night before one of the boys had been born.

“You didn’t go near anyone until the colour had worn off and many people didn’t even know about it for years because you were so embarrassed.”

“At least there doesn’t seem to be a picture of that,” laughed Jo “Jack thank you for all the stories. They all seem so real now. When I heard that I had eleven children it was like a nightmare. It just seemed so impossible. But you have bought them alive for me. Thank you.”
Author:  Lesley [ 16 Jun 2009, 05:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/06)
(((((Jack)))))

Feel very sorry for Jack at the moment. At least Joey is now able to accept she has all those children - or at least that they exist.


Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 16 Jun 2009, 06:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/06)
Good old Jack. What a solid lump of comfort he is!!!
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  shazwales [ 16 Jun 2009, 06:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/06)
Thanks jmc this is lovely.
Author:  Alison H [ 16 Jun 2009, 07:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/06)
Well done Jack. This must be really hard for him too.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 16 Jun 2009, 10:12 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/06)
It's good to see that Jack is dealing with this so well, under the circs - he could have become angry at Joey, or refused to see her while she was like this, but he seems to have accepted that this is the way things are and he's going to have to win Joey back.

Nice to see her sort of bonding with her children as well.
Author:  Ariel [ 16 Jun 2009, 14:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/06)
Aww, poor, poor Jack, and how bewildering it must be for Jo to hear these stories and see the pictures with no connections being made in her head and no recollection of being a wife and mother. :(
Author:  MaryR [ 16 Jun 2009, 20:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/06)
Have just caught up with a week's worth of posts, jmc - you've been busy!! :lol: - and have sympathised with both Jo and Jack. To not remember how you felt about a person must be so distressing, as it must be to the other person themselves. I watch my father when mum doesn't recall who he is - and it hurts!

Thank you. :D
Author:  jmc [ 17 Jun 2009, 03:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/06)
Jo spent the rest of the afternoon looking through the albums again and again. She looked for likeness between both herself and the children and between the children and Jack. She could see some similarities for both of them. “What are they really like?” she wondered. Seeing pictures was one thing but they could only tell you so much. Jack had described each of them but it wasn’t quite the same as meeting them and she only knew what he had told her. “Were they messy like her? What did they like to eat? Were they good at sports?” she wondered.

Jo also noticed Jack had only bought in photos of the children when they were quite young and that he had refrained from telling her about what they were like now. She realised that the triplets must be about 26 or 27 and that the elder boys would be in the twenties as well. “It will be like they are all older than me,” she thought. “Are they married now? They might even have children. Oh help I might even be a grandmother. The triplets are certainly old enough.” Thoughts and possibilities were now racing around in her head.

“I must ask Jack or Madge tomorrow what they are like now. But do I really want to know? Yes I do, but I don’t. I want to meet them but I am also scared. I won’t know what to say to them. How will they react to a mother who has forgotten them?” she thought. A nurse then came in and said that she should settle as she settled down to try and get some sleep. But sleep didn’t come easily it took a long time to come.

The next morning Jo was up early and was once again flicking through the album, however, this time she was looking for photos of herself. There were not many but she found it quite strange looking at photos of herself. One thing that struck her was the fact that although she had started to look older, by the time the younger children were born her clothes and hairstyle had not seemed to change much.

”What was I thinking?” she thought. “If I had to put my hair up why did I wear in such an awful style? Must have taken forever to do and been a complete nuisance with hairpins. Well I might not know a lot of things at the moment but I know I can do something about that.” Jo resolved to do something about it as soon as she could.
Author:  Lesley [ 17 Jun 2009, 05:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/06)
It must be so strange - looking at photos of yourself that are so obviously older than you think you are - and contemplating that you have children older than you!


Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 17 Jun 2009, 06:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/06)
Yes!! Is Joey going to finally get rid of those awful earphones!! It must be so strange looking at yourself as an adult with the mind of a teenager; perhaps we should all try it. :lol:
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  JB [ 17 Jun 2009, 08:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/06)
In some ways, this Joey seems much more mature than the original. I love how thoughtful she is and how well she's dealing with such a horrible situation.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 17 Jun 2009, 09:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/06)
You mean the San. hasn't shaved her yet? What have they been up to?!?

It's nice to see Joey stopping and thinking about her life, for once, and trying to appreciate her own actions. Thankyou.
Author:  Alison H [ 17 Jun 2009, 09:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/06)
:lol: at the comments about the hair!
Author:  JS [ 17 Jun 2009, 09:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/06)
Enjoying this - and appreciating the frequent posts.
Author:  Elbee [ 17 Jun 2009, 12:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/06)
Jack is being very patient and I like the thought of Joey wanting to change her image!

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  crystaltips [ 17 Jun 2009, 17:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/06)
Seems as though Jo might end up making lots of changes - given her thoughts about her own appearance I wonder what she'll think about herself & her continuing links with the school (not sure if that sentence makes sense - hope you know what I mean!)

Thanks, jmc
Author:  jmc [ 18 Jun 2009, 03:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/06)
She was still trying to learn all the children’s names and was trying to imagine what they were really like when Madge walked in followed by Jack and Jem. “Now Jo we’ve wheeled you round the hospital a few times in the last couple of days but today how about a stroll down the corridor?” said Jack “It’s a nice warm day so you could sit on the balcony for a while. The fresh air will do you good.”

Then they got Jo out of bed and she put her dressing gown on and with the help of a nurse walking at her side made her way slowly down the corridor to a balcony. Jo sat down with Madge next to her and sat looking at the mountains.

“It’s really quite beautiful here,” said Jo. “The mountains are different of course and it looks like there is no lake.”

“No the lake is down the mountain a bit. The school takes the girls down there sometimes in the summer to swim.”

“That sounds topping but I bet it’s not as nice as the Tiernsee.”

“No the Tiernsee will always have that something special. You have a holiday house there now and often spend time there in the summer months.”

“Oh I’m glad I still get back there,” said Jo

The sisters sat in silence, comfortable in each others company and taking in the view. Jo was the first to speak. “Madge I have just realised that I don’t really know anything about you any more. How many children do you have now? And what about Dick and Mollie? Are they still in India? And you still haven’t really told me why you are in Australia. For all I know you might have had to skip England suddenly after after…. Oh well I can’t think of anything now but I am sure you know what I mean.”

“Jo! You really are a wretch. I shudder to think what you must have been reading.”

“Really couldn’t tell you as I don’t remember. Having amnesia is good for something it seems. I least I don’t have to lie,” was Jo’s reply. “Anyway tell me about something other than me.”

“Ok then. Well I never went in for having children as thoroughly as you. David and Sybil you will remember. By the way remember how rude you were over the colour of her hair? Well all three of you triplets had hair that colour when they were born although their colours did change. Then I have Josette named after you and Ailie. Finally I had twins Kevin and Kester who are now 19. So altogether I had 6. The whole family now lives in Australia although we are scattered about a bit.”

“I guess you miss them all while you are stuck here with me.”
I do but they don’t really need me any more,” sadi Madge a bit wistfully. Jem and I try to see them fairly regularly but it can difficult as Australia is such a large country. Both David and Sybil live in Sydney while Josette is living and working in Melbourne. Ailie is 23 and is now a sport teacher in Brisbane. The twins are both at university, although I don’t think either of them are working too hard. They are more interested in having a good time. Jem is going to have a long chat to when we get home. He thinks they need some direction.I tend to see them when they decide to drop in some washing or want a bit of home cooked food.”

“They all sound lovely Madge. Are any of them married?”

“The elder three all are. That’s mainly the reason why we decided to stay in Australia. David was still studying here when we went out. He’s also a doctor but on a visit to us he fell madly in love with a girl. Six months later they were married and David had transferred his course to Sydney. The girls also married Australians and are firmly settled there. So Jem and I decided to stay as well. We pop back to England fairly regularly but Sydney is our home now. I keep asking you to come and visit but you haven’t managed it yet.“

“Well what about Dick and Mollie. Do they know what’s happened to me by the way?”

“Of course they know. Anyway, they haven’t lived in India for a long time now. They now live in a house called the Quadrant by the sea in Devonshire. As well as the four of their children that you knew about they also had second twins, Meave and Maurice and Daphne who is still only 15 or so. So seven for them. We don’t see each that often any more as you’re here in Switzerland, I’m in Australia and Dick is in England but we all write fairly often.”

“So you had 6 children and Dick had seven, while I had 11,” said Jo with a strange expression on her face. “Nearly as many as both you and Dick combined.”
Author:  di [ 18 Jun 2009, 06:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/06)
Thanks for the update, jmc. I wonder what was going through Joey's mind at her last comment about the number of children she has compared to Madge and Dick. Does she realise she converted to the catholic religion when she married Jack?
Author:  Alison H [ 18 Jun 2009, 07:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/06)
She does seem rather surprised by how many children she's got!
Author:  Nightwing [ 18 Jun 2009, 07:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/06)
Thanks jmc! I'm not surprised Joey is confused by the number of kids she has - as far as she's concerned it's not that long ago that she was saying she'd never marry and that she didn't want children! :?
Author:  JS [ 18 Jun 2009, 08:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/06)
Quote:
“So you had 6 children and Dick had seven, while I had 11,” said Jo with a strange expression on her face. “Nearly as many as both you and Dick combined.”



Joey at this younger age does seem to have more insight into her actions and possible motives than she does in 'real life' (well you know what I mean).
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 18 Jun 2009, 09:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/06)
How very odd younger Joey seems to be finding herself... which is even odder, IMHO, because EBD wrote her and Jack falling in love so naturally.

I'm really enjoying this, thankyou.
Author:  abbeybufo [ 18 Jun 2009, 10:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/06)
I wonder if she knows she's converted?? :shock: :shock:

ETA - just realised di had already had the same thought :oops:
Author:  Chatelaine [ 18 Jun 2009, 11:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/06)
di wrote:
Thanks for the update, jmc. I wonder what was going through Joey's mind at her last comment about the number of children she has compared to Madge and Dick. Does she realise she converted to the catholic religion when she married Jack?


I had forgotten about her conversion! It's only mentioned in passing in Exile, isn't it? What on earth will she say when she finds out Margot is a nun?!
Author:  jmc [ 18 Jun 2009, 22:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/06)
Jo declared that she was a bit tired and wanted to go back to her room so Madge called a nurse. Jo was silent on the walk back to her room. She refused to get back into bed though and said that she would read for a while but could she have some more books.

Madge left to fetch more of her school stories but when she got back to Jo’s room it was to find Jo on the bed face down sobbing.

“Joey baba what is it?” said Madge as she went to her.

“Oh Madge,” said Jo through her tears. “It’s so hard. I thought my memory would have come back by now. It just never stops. My family, your family, Dick’s, the war, music: all things that I know nothing about. I seen the pictures, read about it and have been told about it but I don’t remember living it. And I know there is so much you still haven’t told me. My head feels like it’s about to explode.”

“Oh Joey.” Madge gathered up Jo into her arms and held her tight. Jo’s sobs continued for a while but gradually slowed down. She was still in Madge’s arms shaking slightly when a nurse came in.

“Let’s get you into bed Jo”, she said in a gentle voice. By the time Jo was lying in bed again the sobs had stopped completely but she was looking very pale and wan. She also admitted to having a smashing headache.

“I think you should have a nap,” she said. “I’ll get you something for the headache.”

“Madge don’t leave me yet,”

“I’ll sit right by your side until you fall asleep” Madge promised.

“It’s not unexpected,” said Phil later when Madge was telling everyone what had gone on. “Jo’s been much more accepting and calm than I would have guessed. She’s going to have ups and downs. I also have some bad news. I know we have all been hoping that Jo will get her memory back soon but according to the specialists that I have been in contact Jo should have recovered by now and the longer she has amnesia the odds increase that she will never get her memory back.”
It was a subdued group that left the hospital that night. Jack had taken the news particularly hard when he realised that this meant that Jo might never want him again. Madge and Jem were staying at Freudesheim so they went home with Jack. Con met them and took note of their sombre expressions.

Jem explained what the specialist had said and then how Joey had broken down again.

“But I thought she was making progress,” said Con.

“She is but today it was all just too much for her,” said Madge gently.

Con looking at her father moved in to give him a big hug. “It’ll all be right in the end,” she said. Jack pushed her away though and went upstairs. They heard a door slam.

“Let him be,” said Jem. “This has all been a big shock to him as well.”

“I’ll ring Len and let her know what’s happened. She was on the phone before asking if you were home yet,” said Con.

“I’ll go to the kitchen and see if I can scrounge us up a quick meal,” said Madge. “I need to do something and just sitting round won’t help. We all need to eat even if we don’t feel particularly hungry.”
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 18 Jun 2009, 22:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/06)
It must be so hard for everyone, trying to cope with this, but Jack especially. Jo can still remember her relationships with Madge and Jem, and Dick and Mollie, but he is completely shut out.

Please let Joey get her memory back!
Author:  PaulineS [ 18 Jun 2009, 22:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/06)
Poor Jack, it is so hard for him. Con and Len must also be finding it difficult.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Alison H [ 18 Jun 2009, 23:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/06)
Poor everyone :( .
Author:  di [ 19 Jun 2009, 06:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/06)
Fingers crossed that Jo's memory does return. Don't they say if you get another blow to the head memory often returns! Can't someone push her down the stairs to see if that helps!!! :twisted: Poor Jack!
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  JS [ 19 Jun 2009, 15:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/06)
Quote:
Don't they say if you get another blow to the head memory often returns! Can't someone push her down the stairs to see if that helps!!! Poor Jack!


Actually, I have another idea which just might do it.....
Not saying any more in case it's what our talented author has in mind.

Thanks for this - really enjoying it.
Author:  jmc [ 20 Jun 2009, 00:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/06)
The bright sunshine had disappeared the following morning and had been replaced by a thin grey mist. It matched Jo’s mood as she stared out the window of her room. She had eaten very little breakfast and the nurse frowned at her as she came to take away the tray.
“Surely you can do better than that,” she said.

“Nope,” was Jo’s only response as she continued to stare out the window.

“Your husband and sister won’t be happy if you don’t eat.”

“Just leave me alone!” Jo snapped. “I don’t want to hear any more.”

Jo was still in a bad mood when Madge came into her room a couple of hours later. Nurse had spoken to her before she came in so she was prepared for the black look that Jo gave her as she came in.

“Go away and let me be,” groused Jo.

“Snap out of it. This isn’t doing anyone any good.” It had been a long time since she had encountered Jo in this kind of mood. But Madge knew better than to give Jo any sympathy.”You’re behaving like a child.”

“Well as that’s what I remember being that’s what I’ll be!” Jo retorted.

“Stop being such a baby. You remember being eighteen and having graduated from school. Instead you are acting like a six year old.”

A heavy silence followed these words and then Jo looked at her sister with a shamed expression on her face.

“I’m sorry Madge.”
Although still pale, Jo had cheered up considerably by lunchtime. Jo confessed to Madge that she had found it difficult looking at the photos with herself.

“Although the children are mine I didn’t know them. But seeing myself gradually getting older, I can’t really describe how it felt. It was just so strange.”

“I can’t even pretend to understand how you are feeling. All I and anyone else can do is to support you. Just tell us what you want to do.”

“Well the first thing I want to do at the moment is cut my hair. It will make me feel more like me,” was Jo’s response.

“People have been trying to get you to cut it for years but you always refused.”

“Well I’m not refusing anymore. Get me some scissors.”

“Jo, do you remember what Simone looked like when she cut her own hair? Wait for a hairdresser. We might even be able to get one to come here.”

And with that Jo had to be satisfied as Madge refused to go and get any scissors.
Author:  crystaltips [ 20 Jun 2009, 01:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/06)
Yay, goodbye earphones!!

Seriously, this is so hard for all if them, & just how will they all cope if Jo never regains her memory? They will have to get to know her all over again & that will probably be particularily difficult for the children, at least Madge, Jem & Jack do remember Jo at 18.
Still, it does seem that this Jo wants to be more modern but that might make it harder for those around her.

Thanks jmc
Author:  Lesley [ 20 Jun 2009, 07:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/06)
Missed yesterdays post I'm afraid - still, two to catch up on. Very sad, especially for Jack as he has to face the fact that he may never get his Joey back - wonder what he'll think of her without the earphones?


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ 20 Jun 2009, 07:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/06)
Glad that the earphones are going, but whilst that might make her feel more like the "me" she remembers it'll make her look a lot less like the Joey everyone else is used to.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 20 Jun 2009, 09:00 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/06)
Poor Jack, it would be so hard for him and for Joey trying to get her head around all those missed years
Author:  di [ 20 Jun 2009, 09:01 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/06)
I, for one, won't be sorry to see the back of the 'earphones', I always thought they were ridiculous for a woman of any age!
Jack will be sad, I think, to see Jo with shorter hair, I'm sure she made a comment in one of the books that Jack liked her hair. Am I right?
I feel sorry for the younger kids; The triplets and older boys will be able to cope I'm sure, but the younger ones will find it much more difficult knowing that Mamma does not have a clue who they are!! :(
Thanks, jmc for such regular updates. Something to look forward to rather than thinking about the day ahead, especially during the week!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 20 Jun 2009, 09:48 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/06)
Poor Joey, she must be feeling absolutely horrible at the moment. I think, though, that even if she didn't remember them, once she sees the younger children she will at least pretend for their sakes; I don't think that she would intentionally upset any children like that.

Thankyou.
Author:  MaryR [ 20 Jun 2009, 21:31 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/06)
One has to feel such sympathy for Jo. She must be scared stiff that she will always remain that schoolgirl.

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Abi [ 20 Jun 2009, 22:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/06)
I've just read all of this - poor Joey, what a terrifying experience. Am very impressed at the mature way she's dealt with it on the whole. I hope she does remember in the end.
Author:  jmc [ 20 Jun 2009, 23:57 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/06)
Thanks for all the comments.

It was just after lunch, which Jo had eaten all of, when a nurse came in and announced that she had a couple of visitors. Jo hoped that it was none of her children as she didn’t think she was quite ready to meet them yet. Instead in walked 2 older ladies. One of them had grey hair and the other’s was snow white. Neither of them was wearing glasses.

“Jo I don’t know if you remember…,” started out the taller of the two.

“Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson,” Jo cried.”What are you doing here?”

“Well we were in the area visiting so we thought we would pop in and see you,” said Nell.

“We arrived a couple of weeks ago just before you fell ill. This is the first time that Jack would let us in to see you.”

Hearing of his wife’s black mood that morning and feeling that she would not want to him around Jack had placed a call to the small chalet where Hilda and Madge were staying. He thought that seeing some different faces, but ones that were not related to her, might do her some good.

“You do know what has happened to me don’t you?” asked Jo.

“Of course we do Jo,” said Hilda. “Now would you please call us Nell and Hilda.”

“That seems a bit strange. To me you were my teachers only last term.”

“Well it may be that you,” said Nell “But for the last 30 odd years you have been calling us by our given names so we are not about to change that now.”

“Now we have been given orders by Jack and Jem not to upset you, so we will just tell you what we have been up to.” And with that the two of them pulled up chairs and sat next to the bed.

“We are both retired now. I retired two years ago and Nell retired only a term ago,” said Hilda.

“So both you and Miss Wil… sorry Nell,” stumbled Jo. “Have been with the Chalet School all this time?”

“Yes we followed the school when it left Austria and continued to move with it until it came to Switzerland. You would not recognise the school now Jo. It is quite different from what you remember. It has branches both in Wales and here as well as a finishing branch which is also up here.”

“Well it’s good to know that the school is doing so well. I guess though that I don’t have too much to do with it even though I appear live close by. I expect I’m pretty busy with my family, friends and my books.”

Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson exchanged amused looks.

“Well that’s not quite true. You live next door and spend a bit of time there,” said Miss Wilson. “Anyway, enough about the school. Hilda has been travelling a bit for the last two years and I am about to go with her.”

“Nell you know full well that I didn’t do that much travelling. You wanted me to wait for you,” laughed Hilda. “I didn’t travel the whole time but I did spend some time in America and Canada. I spent quite lot of time catching up with my brothers and getting to know them and their families properly. I also went to my cousins.”

“Anyway now that I am retired we are going to head off. We going to go around parts of Europe that we haven’t seen very much of. I want to go to Hawaii to see the volcanoes and we are going to go to Australia and New Zealand.”

After they left a couple of hours later Jo was in a much happier state of mind. The time had been spent pleasantly talking over the travel plans and she had found it refreshing to talk about matters that didn’t concern her. There had been no pressure on her to take in new information or to try and remember who was who.

Madge came back after they had left. She had a little lady with her and she was carrying a black bag. Jo this is Frau Schneider. Her husband is in the San here but when she was younger she was a hairdresser. She said that she will cut your hair if you that’s still what you want to do.

Half an hour later Jo looked at herself in the mirror. She had short hair again and although she could see lines around her face and her hair wasn’t as black as it used to be, she felt much more like her old self and thought she could face learning about herself again.

The next morning, Jo was bored. Apart from the nurses she hadn’t seen anyone. After badgering the nurses constantly they finally bought her in a magazine to read. The nurse apologised as it was a fashion one but Jo didn’t care. Normally she would have had no use for anything like that but now she was eager. And what she saw shocked her. The skirts were so short and the colours of the clothes. They were so bright. Jo did not know what to make of it all. She tried to imagine herself wearing the sort of clothes in the magazines but failed miserably.

She asked the nurse when she came back in if this was what everyone wore but she nurse just laughed and said, “It depends where you are. Up here it still tends to be fairly conservative, but we are a small community and the school is very strict on their dress rules but I hear that may be changing a bit, especially with the move.”

She asked Madge about the clothes when she came in after lunch.
“Do you wear this sort of thing?“

“No I don’t. I think I might be a bit old for it don’t you, but Ailie does when she’s not teaching and Josette likes it as well and all of the twin’s many girlfriends dress like this.”

“Do you think I should try something like this?” asked Jo uncertainly.

“Well maybe not quite like that one,” said Madge looking at the picture Jo was pointing at. “But you could try something a bit more modern. We could go shopping together when you feel up to it but I would wait a bit if I were you. You don’t need to change everything all at once. Now what I have come to talk to you about is a plan we have come up with for this afternoon. How about escaping from the san for a bit?”

“I’d love it,” said Jo enthusiastically. “It can be so boring in here.”
Author:  Lesley [ 21 Jun 2009, 07:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/06)
Pleased to see Hilda and Nell there (of course! :wink: ) - and that they could speak with Joey and not upset her. Funny to hear that Joey automatically doesn't think she would be that close to the school (at least emotionally) - wonder what she will feel when she hears about just how close her relationship with the school is?

Pleased she's cut her hair - and a fashion queen? :shock: Isn't Twiggy around at this time?


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ 21 Jun 2009, 07:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/06)
It'll be interesting to see if she thinks the idea of popping into the school all the time and still being so involved with it in her 40s is really odd.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 21 Jun 2009, 08:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/06)
Thanks for the long update! I can't wait to see what everyone thinks of new, stylish Jo. Why can I see Len lecturing her about her dress sense?
Author:  di [ 21 Jun 2009, 09:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/06)
Thanks, jmc. Hilda and Nell did well to steer Jo away from talking about the school but, like Lesley, I wonder what she will make of hearing, eventually, that she spends a lot of her time in school. Although, perhaps now the 2 have finally retired she won't have been spending quite as much time there as in the past.
I do hope she doesn't start wearing mini skirts and dresses - how embarrassed will her children and grandchildren be. :lol:
Author:  JB [ 21 Jun 2009, 09:26 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/06)
It's fascinating to see a Jo who's interested in new things. And glad that Hilda and Nell were such good company.
Author:  crystaltips [ 21 Jun 2009, 19:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/06)
Whilst I am sorry for Jo in her confusion over losing her memory, I'm actually quite liking her wanting to learn about the modern world - & wanting to embrace the fashions!
Author:  jmc [ 22 Jun 2009, 02:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/06)
After lunch Jo got dressed into some clothes that Madge had bought along for her to wear and was wheeled to the entrance of the san. From there she was helped into a little car. Madge took the wheel and drove slowly off. Madge pointing out the various sights of the Platz as they drove along.

Jo looked about her in fascination. Madge pointed St Mildred’s the finishing branch of the school and then on just a little bit the school itself.

“It’s so big,” she said looking at the interconnected buildings.

“I never thought that the school would be this successful when I started in Austria,” said Madge. “I just had to find some way for us to support ourselves and it was too expensive in England. We started off with just a few girls and now there are over 400 in just the Swiss branch alone.”

“I remember starting out with you and Grizel. It was so fun, but scary getting to the Chalet and setting it up and then waiting to see if we would have any students. And then we grew so quickly.”

Madge turned off the main round went down a long driveway. She pulled the car up in front of a large building.

“Jo, this is Freudesheim. Your home.”

Jo looked at the large building in front of her silently. She got out of the car and looked around at the gardens.

“This is my home? It looks more like a hotel.”

“Well that’s what it was originally. Now there’s nobody here but us if you want to go in.”

Jo looked uncertain. This was facing her life with a vengeance. It was one thing looking at pictures while sitting in a sterile hospital room but to be in her house with all her own belongings and those of her family. She was torn between wanting to go in and just getting back in the car.

“I guess I should go in.” Jo walked hesitantly towards the front door. Once inside she looked at the hall in front of her with doors on either side. There was a passage at the end of the hall. She looked in the room on the left. It looked to be some sort of study. There was another door leading off it and there Jo discovered a smaller study. Jo realised that the smaller room must have been Jack’s as she looked at the medical books lining the shelves. Jo walked back into the first study and looked carefully at the shelves there. Lining the shelves there were a lot of books were her name on the spines. She looked over the rest of the study at the various photos and pictures. There was a typewriter on the desk with a pile of papers next to it. Jo glanced at the papers and realised that it was an article on the Swiss Tourist Industry. Then she saw the name at the top. Constance Maynard.

“Con is a writer too?” asked Jo

“How did you know that?” asked Madge surprised. In response Jo pointed at the papers. “Yes she inherited your talent although as of yet she hasn’t written a novel. She works for a magazine in London and flits around writing travel articles. I believe she is writing a poetry book at the moment in her free time. She is staying here at the moment.”

Jo didn’t say anything but wandered back out into the hall. The door on the opposite side led into a dining room and behind there was a spotlessly clean kitchen. She left the kitchen and went back to the hall where she followed the passage that led to a large room at the back of the house.

Jo looked around the room with a puzzled expression. “This looks a bit familiar,” she muttered. “But nothing else does. Why would one room seem familiar?”

Jo walked around the room picking up various objects. “I remember seeing this photo before,” she said with a bit of excitement in her voice. “The piano, the view out of the window. I remember being in this room.”

“Jo calm down,” warned Madge. “I think the reason you remember this room is that this is where Len found you when you first became ill. You were in here looking around before you became unconscious. But Len said at the time that you didn’t recognise her. But look around the rest of the house. You never know, maybe your memory is starting to come back.”

Jo went slowly around the rest of the house. She walked upstairs and looked in all the rooms there. She saw a room that was obviously hers and Jack’s but left that room quite quickly. There was a large playroom with a couple of big doll’s houses in it and rooms that belonged to different children but nothing else came back to her.

“Can we go now,” Jo said. “I think you’re right. I don’t remember any of this.”

“Are you OK Jo?” said Madge worriedly.

“Yes I’m OK. Just got my hopes up for a bit I expect. I’m glad I came though.”

It was while Jo and Madge were getting into the car that a little boy came running toward them. Madge gave a gasp of dismay.

“Oh no it’s Tom.”
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 22 Jun 2009, 02:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/06)
Poor Joey, it must be disappointing when you think you can start remembering and then realise you're not. Hope she can cope with meeting her grandson and that Tom doesn't get hurt
Author:  Lesley [ 22 Jun 2009, 05:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/06)
Poor Jo, to have her hopes raised and then dashed so quickly. :cry:


Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 22 Jun 2009, 06:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/06)
I hope Jo can cope with seeing Tom and cover up that she doesn't recognise him -or perhaps he'll be the one to trigger the old synapses :)
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 22 Jun 2009, 09:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/06)
I hope Tom helps Jo to remember.

Thanks.
Author:  PaulineS [ 22 Jun 2009, 11:03 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/06)
She might remember Tom from when she was taken ill as she met him then. Hope he can trigger more memories as well.
Author:  Alison H [ 22 Jun 2009, 11:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/06)
Hope something triggers Jo's memory.
Author:  crystaltips [ 22 Jun 2009, 15:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/06)
Wibbling a bit about how Jo will react to Tom but hoping that will perhaps jog her memory.
Author:  Sarah_K [ 22 Jun 2009, 20:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/06)
Poor kid, I hope Joey reacts to him well (and poor Joey!)
Author:  jmc [ 22 Jun 2009, 22:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/06)
Tom ran straight towards Jo and yelled, “Grandma! I knew you would be here. I missed you.”

“Tom where is your mother?” said Madge quickly while casting a worried look at Jo.

“She’s home with Alice. I heard Mummy and Aunty Con saying you’d be home today,” said Tom holding him arms up so he could be picked up.

Jo, looking slightly apprehensive did as he wanted and then he gave her a big hug. “I haven’t seen you in so long Grandma. Mummy said you were sick. Are you better now?” he said.

Jo closed her arms around the little boy and hugged him close but it was Madge who spoke.

“Tom, does your mummy know where you are?”

“No, she said I couldn’t see Grandma so I runned away when she was upstairs with Alice. I wanted to see you so much Grandma.” And with that Tom gave Jo a big happy smile. “Mummy said you forgot lots of fings.”

“That’s true” said Jo responding to the little boy.

“I know lots of fings,” he said proudly. “I can write my own name now. I can teach you fings if you want.”

“Thanks Tom. I may have to take you up on that,” said Jo smiling at the little boy.

“Tom we need to get you back to mummy. She’s probably worried about you. Get in the car and I’ll drive you home,” said Madge.

“Can Grandma come too?”

“Of course she can.”

The three of them got into the car and Madge drove out onto the main road again and after driving for a few minutes stopped in front of a pretty chalet. Jo looked curiously at the young women who was in the garden looking frantic. Madge hopped out of the car quickly. She pulled Tom out of the backseat quickly and went towards her.

“Missing something Len?” Jo heard her say.

“Tom, where have you been? I’ve been so worried about you. You were very naughty leaving the house like that,” said Len scooping the little boy into her arms.

“I’ve been with Grandma.”

Len looked inquiring at her aunt.

“He came running up as we were leaving. He overheard you and Con talking.”

Len looked over at the car and saw her mother sitting there. Jo looked back at her and slowly got out and walked towards them. Tom wriggled out of his mother’s arms and ran towards Jo and grabbed her hand and pulled her forward.

“Come on Grandma. Why you walking so slow?”

After what seemed forever Jo stopped in front on Len. Len put her arms around her mother and gave her a big hug. “I’m Len, Mamma and you have obviously met my oldest child Tom.”

Not knowing what else to do Jo hugged her daughter back. Then she pulled back and looked at her.

“I’m sorry Len,” she said with tears starting to fall down her face.

“Mamma, please don’t cry. None of this was your fault. If you can’t remember us we will just have to make new memories,” said Len. “We can tell you all about ourselves and I’m sure we all have a few things that we’re glad you’ve forgotten.”

Tom then decided he had been left out long enough and started pulling at Jo’s hand again. “Can we play hide and seek Grandma? I don’t want Alice to play though cause she’s just a baby. “

“Not now Tom. Please go inside. I think you and I need to have a little talk about your adventure today,” said Len sternly.

Tom’s face fell and he truned and went into the house. Len turned to face Jo.

“I’m sorry Mamma. This wasn’t how I meant you to meet the kids.”
“I’m glad it happened this way,” said Jo. “If I had known beforehand I think I would have worried about it all day.” She stopped there not knowing what else to say.

“I think we ought to get you back to the San Jo. We’ve already been out longer than I planned,” said Madge.

Jo looked at Len and said hesitantly, “Will you come and see me tomorrow? And make sure you bring Tom and your little girl. Alice I think Tom said her name was.”

“I’ll be there and with the brats in tow.”
Author:  Lesley [ 22 Jun 2009, 23:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/06)
Poor Len - must be so difficult for her :cry: - yet she was lovely with Jo then. Tom sounds like a great little character. Good for Jo too.


Thanks jmc
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 22 Jun 2009, 23:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/06)
Awwwww, what a lovely warm, snuggly feeling. So pleased to see Joey starting to pick herself up.

Thankyou :D
Author:  di [ 23 Jun 2009, 06:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/06)
That was lovely. So glad Jo responded the way she did with Tom. Children are always so good at cutting through all the anxiety and going straight to the core, breaking the ice on their way. Now Jo can get to know Len, Tom and Alice more naturally.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ 23 Jun 2009, 06:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/06)
Tom's lovely.
Author:  JS [ 23 Jun 2009, 08:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/06)
Oh dear, I've just cried tears into my breakfast. Thanks (I think).
Author:  jmc [ 23 Jun 2009, 21:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/06)
Len waved them goodbye, went inside the house and called out to her sister. “Con Maynard I saw you looking out the window then. Why didn’t you come out?”

Con appeared from out of the kitchen holding Alice. “I think she had enough to deal with don’t you? That’s why we agreed that Anna, Rosli and I should clear out of Freudesheim while she was there. It was going to be hard enough for her to go there without having to deal with meeting us all at the same time. Trust Tom to throw a spanner in the works.”

“He’s missed her so much. Don’t forget both he and Alice spend quite a bit of time there. Mamma looks after them while I’m teaching. Even so you could have come out. You should come with me to the san tomorrow. She’s asked me to go and to take Tom and Alice. It might be easier with them there as they can be very distracting.”

“OK but you go in first with the kids. See how that goes,” said Con.
The drive back to the san was short and silent. Madge stopped the car and looked anxiously at her sister.

“Don’t worry Madge,” said Jo seeing the look on her face.”I’m OK, just thinking. She seems lovely. Oh I’ll admit it was a bit of a shock when Tom came running up and called me Grandma but once I‘d worked out how old the triplets were I thought that might be a possibility. Are there any more?”

“Not yet. So far Len is the only one of your children to have kids and she just has Tom and Alice. She says that those two are more than enough. Tom is a bit of a handful and Alice looks like being just as bad. She teaches languages part time at the school. Her husband is a doctor here at the san.”

“What about the others?”

“Well Con is engaged to a photographer. They met while she was in France writing an article on the sights of Paris. They are supposed to get married next year. Margot is a nun so there won’t be any grandchildren from that quarter. None of the older boys have children and everyone else is still too young.”

Madge and Jo made their way back into the san. On their way there they ran into Jack. Jo gave him a small smile. He looked at her, eyes fixed on her head.

“I like your new haircut Jo,” he said. You don’t look any different to what you used to look in Tyrol. It suits you.”

Jo blushed and wasn’t quite sure where to look. Jack was her husband and the father of her children but she wasn’t sure how to respond to him.

“You never told me I was a married to a grandfather Jack.” Jack looked after her retreating back with the hint of a smile on his face.
Author:  Alison H [ 23 Jun 2009, 22:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/06)
Things seem to be looking up, but it must still be so strange for them all.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 23 Jun 2009, 22:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/06)
Aww, poor Jack, I hope Joey continues to try and accept him.
Author:  Lesley [ 23 Jun 2009, 23:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/06)
That's nice - it might help Joey if Jack continues to remind her of how she looked in the Tyrol - as far as she's concerned she's still there.

Thanks jmc
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 24 Jun 2009, 03:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/06)
Quote:
“You never told me I was a married to a grandfather Jack.” Jack looked after her retreating back with the hint of a smile on his face.


Now that sounds like the old Joey! Glad Joey took to Tom so well
Author:  Cath V-P [ 24 Jun 2009, 03:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/06)
The interaction between Tom and Jo was lovely - and so good that it happened like this, without Jo having time to worry about it. It probably helped Jo to be more relaxed about seeing Jack again.
Author:  di [ 24 Jun 2009, 06:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/06)
Well, Joey took the news of Margot being a nun very well, perhaps there were photos of her in the album .
I liked the way she teased Jack about being a grandfather and it seems she's beginning to accept that she is married to him. Perhaps he should court her properly as he didn't seem to have done when they were younger.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  keren [ 24 Jun 2009, 06:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/06)
That's what I think, he has to make her fall in love with him all over again. Start going out etc.
Problem is that she thinks she is 18 or 19 when he is now somewhere around 50.
Author:  MaryR [ 24 Jun 2009, 20:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/06)
Jo is having to absorb so many aspects of her life as it is now, so many new people - new to her - and she knows she is supposed to feel something for them all, but that isn't possible at the moment. How does she accept all that? She must be so confused and sick at heart, as well as full of guilt.

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Celia [ 24 Jun 2009, 20:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/06)
Poor Jo. I feel younger inside than I appear to the outside world, but
her outside world is not the one she expected to find when she awoke.
I think she is coping with the situation in a very mature manner but she
must be feeling pretty desolate.

Thank you jmc
Author:  jmc [ 25 Jun 2009, 03:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/06)
Thanks for all the comments. This might be it for a couple of days as I haven't actually written any more. End of term has been fractic with trying to write reports and I have been out with work functions most nights. After tomorrow I am on holidays for the next two weeks so might get more written then.

Jo was tired after her afternoon out and fell asleep soon after eating dinner. She slept soundly until the next morning and woke up feeling full of energy. She quickly ate breakfast and then decided to get dressed and go for a walk around the san. Before she could leave her room though Tom ran in followed by Len and a little girl who she presumed was Alice.

“Sorry we are so early Mamma, but Tom has been up since five and then he woke Alice up and told her we were going to see Grandma. There was going to be no peace from either of them until they saw you and I didn’t want to end up with them fighting and in tears before they came.”

“That’s OK Len. I was already up.”

Alice came up to Jo and climbed onto her lap. “Hi Grandma. You look pretty,” and her hands started playing with Jo’s hair.

“Look what I got Grandma,” said Tom holding up a picture. “I drawed this for you. Look, this is you,” he said pointing to a figure in a green dress. “This is Grandad, and here is mummy and Daddy. Here’s me next to you and this is Alice.”

Jo was hard pressed not to laugh as he pointed out Alice as she appeared to be just a blob on the paper with a bit of red on the top. “You can keep this here with you and then you won’t forget us again.”

“It’s lovely Tom. I’ll treasure it.”

Alice was by this time cuddled into Jo.

“So Len I hear that you teach languages at the school?”

”Only part time. I teach 3 days a week. French and German to the younger girls and I help out with those that need special coaching.”

“Do you enjoy it?”

“I love it. Oh I love Tom and Alice dearly but sometimes it’s nice to get out and talk to someone other than young children. Graham’s home in the evenings but it can get a bit lonely during the day. There’s not that much to do up here at the Platz. When the school moves we are probably going to move to England.”

“Mummy.”

“Yes Tom,” said Len.

“Can Aunty Con come in now. I want her to tell me a story. She tells good stories like Grandma. But Grandma can’t tell stories now because she’s forgotten fings.”

“Con’s here too?” said Jo.

“Yes she was at my house yesterday when you were there. I asked her to come along today. Hope you don’t mind. She wanted to see you.”

“Come in Con,” said Jo. “It’s Ok. I don’t bite nor will I start crying or anything like that just because I see you.”

Con came in through the door slowly. Jo looked at her carefully as she came. Then she had another look at Len. Whilst not alike they were clearly related. Con was shorter than Len and had the same colouring as Jo herself. Len’s hair was chestnut and her eyes were violet.

“Tell me about yourselves and Margot,” said Jo.

Len opened a bag that she had with her and pulled out some books and handed them to Tom. Alice seeing this scrambled off Jo’s lap and after a short tussle with her brother sat down with a book of her own.

“If I don’t give him something to do we won’t be able to talk. He’s a regular question mark, always wanting to know this and that and he doesn’t sit still for long,” explained Len.

“Where do you want us to start?” asked Con giving Len a glance.

“From the beginning,’ replied Jo.

Both girls filled Jo in on their lives, starting with what they could remember from Plas Gwynn and then Canada. The two found it quite strange explaining their lives to their own mother. She had always seemed to be such a young mother, ready to join in with their games and was a lot of fun when they were younger but she now seemed younger than them. Both girls realised that they had more life experience than their mother now.

“We found it so hard that year when Margot was in Canada without us,” said Con

“I know that we went to Canada as Madge told me that a few days ago but why was Margot there before us?” asked Jo

“Well she was so sick. Margot got bronchitis as a child and it left her delicate. Then there was a problem with the school drains at Plas Howell and Margot was really ill. Aunty Madge and Uncle Jem had to go to Canada so they suggested that Margot went with them. They thought the change would do her good. It did and she’s never looked back since.”

“Then your father and I followed them out to Canada?” asked Jo

“Yep and that’s where Felix and Felicity were born. Also Auntie Rob is a nun at a convent there. I went and saw here a couple of years ago when I was in Toronto writing for the magazine.”

“Was I a good mother? Jo asked suddenly.
Author:  Lesley [ 25 Jun 2009, 05:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
Well so far it's going well - but what a question!

Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 25 Jun 2009, 06:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
Quite! What a question. And how will it be answered? Was Jo a good mother? - I'm not so sure myself. She certainly left a lot of the mothering to other people such as Anna and Roslii although she was always there to hear prayers. I don't remember her having much to do with the boys either.

In fact the only time I remember her having much to do with the children was in 'Joey goes to it' [I think that was the title]. Anyway, the book where she, Frieda, Simone and Marie took the children off to stay in a cottage and they palled up with Phoebe, the girl next door, who was an invalid. That was when we were first introduced to Reg. So glad that Len isn't married to him in this story, by the way.

So, to return to the question; I await with trepidation to see how Len and Con answer it.

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Nightwing [ 25 Jun 2009, 06:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
I'm sure they'll say yes! They wouldn't be so worried about her if she wasn't. And she's clearly a good grandmother, at any rate.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 25 Jun 2009, 07:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
Am I awful for feeling sorry for Reg? :oops:

Thanks, jmc, I can't wait to see how that question is answered!
Author:  JB [ 25 Jun 2009, 08:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
Also eagerly awaiting their response.

I can imagine she would be a really good grandmother (poss better than as a mother).
Author:  JS [ 25 Jun 2009, 09:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
A good mother but perhaps spread a little thin? They obviously love her lots, which is quite an achievement in itself.
Thanks jmc, and have a restful (and productive!) holiday.
Author:  Alison H [ 25 Jun 2009, 09:26 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
What an awkward question!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 25 Jun 2009, 13:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
Alison H wrote:
What an awkward question!


I can see her asking as a insecure 18 year old. And I would wondering the same if I was in her position. I think Joey is like most people, was great in some areas and terrible in others. As I say to my Mum, I know she did the best she could at the time with what she knew and you hope your own children forgive the mistakes you make, just as you forgive your parents for the mistakes they make. (Sorry for the sermon :oops: )
Author:  ibarhis [ 25 Jun 2009, 20:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
My mother is in a care home with dementia. Last weekend she asked me who brought me up, as she has no memory of family life. That was equally a punch in the solar plexus. Whatever the cause, amnesia is nasty to deal with - in association with dementia it is vicious!

Rant over...
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 25 Jun 2009, 22:12 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
(((ibarhis)))
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 26 Jun 2009, 00:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
(((ibarhis)))
Author:  ibarhis [ 26 Jun 2009, 00:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
Thanks for the hugs!
Author:  jmc [ 26 Jun 2009, 05:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/06)
I managed to get this written up. School's just finished so I am now on holidays for 2 weeks. It's a pity I have so much work to take home though. :cry:

Len and Con didn’t dare look at each other. They didn’t want to upset their mother but were also a bit stunned. How did they answer a question like this?

Con said quickly, “You were a good mother. In many ways you were like another friend to us. You played games with us sometimes when we were younger and ran round like you were one of us. There were many people who were envious that you were our mother. ”

Luckily they were both saved from answering any further at that minute by Alice letting out a cry. “My book! Tom got my book!”

Everyone looked over to where Tom and Alice had been sitting. Tom had obviously finished his own books and had decided to take Alice’s.

“Tom, give her back her book please,” said Len sternly.

“I’m bored,” said Tom. “Wanna go for a walk.”

“Me too,” joined in Alice.

They both climbed up off the floor and started pulling at Jo’s hand. “Come on Grandma, let’s go for a walk. Wanna see Grandad.”

“Yeah see Grandad,” chimed in Alice who started dancing round excitedly.

Jo gazed at her daughters speculatively. She sensed that something was not quite right after she asked that question and there had been a strange hesitation before Con’s reply. She decided to let it go for the moment and let herself be pulled out of the room saying as she went, “I’ll just take them for a quick walk and then I’ll come back. It probably is it bit boring just sitting there and listening to us talk”
Len and Con listened as they went down the corridor with both children talking happily.

“What a question,” said Len. ”I wasn’t expecting that at all.”

“Caught me by surprise too,” said Con. ”Hope what I told her was OK. She was generally a good mother and I know she loved us but as we started getting older there were just so many of us.”

“Yeah and then there were all the wards and other people she was always helping. I just wish at times that she had had more time for just us. I know the boys felt kind of neglected at times too. And the girls are also a bit embarrassed about how much of her life revolves around the school and how often she is there. When I’m at the school sometimes there are almost groans in the staffroom when Mamma walks in as they are trying to work. No one says anything much to me about it though.”

Both girls then fell silent as they thought about what sort of a mother Jo had been.

Len had occasionally felt resentment at being expected to be so responsible. They had been a happy family but at times it had seemed as though Jo did not have enough time for them, especially as they got older. Anna and later Rosli had spent more time with them than their mother, especially once they moved to Switzerland. Jo had tried but between her writing and everyone else there hadn’t really been much alone time with her mother. Speaking with other girls at school about their families had made her realise that hers was different but it was only once she went to Oxford that she had started to see how different life could be.

Already engaged to Reg before she left school and feeling a bit tied down, Len soon realised the she relished the freedom the university life offered her and the fact that she was responsible for no one but herself. By the end of her first year knew that she couldn’t marry Reg. She broke off the engagement during a visit home. It had taken Jo a while to recover from the shock. Jack had been more understanding. Jo and Len hadn’t spoken properly for about a year and had only exchanged stilted letters. Then Reg had unexpectedly married a nurse at the san and Jo had suddenly reverted to her old self. During her second year she had met Graham at a party. He was the brother of one of her friends at Oxford and was in his final year studying to be a doctor. They had married when Len had finished her studies. Graham and Jack had gotten along really well and Jack had offered him a chance to work at the Swiss san. Jo had been excited when Len had announced that she was coming back to live at the Platz although Len warned her that it would only be for a few years as Graham wanted to eventually live in England. Jo actually spent more time with Tom and Alice than she had with many of her own children and they adored her.


Con thought about her own childhood. It had been relatively happy but at times she had felt very much the forgotten child. Len had been given all the responsibility. Margot had a lot of attention because of her bad behaviour and her health. It had always been presumed that Con would be happy with her book and story friends. And she had been for the most part. Con was glad in many ways that she had never been expected to do all the things that Len had been expected to but sometimes it would have been nice to be asked.

Con too had found it a relief in many ways to leave school and go to Oxford. Once there she had joined all sorts of groups and made a heap of new friends. After Oxford she had joined the magazine where she still worked and owing to her languages had started been asked to write travel pieces. Con discovered that she loved this work and had travelled to many places around the world now. She was due to marry next year and they planned to travel together combining Peter’s photography with her articles. After growing up with so many children underfoot Con was in no rush to start a family.

It was Len who spoke first, “What can we say if she comes back and asks again?”

“That she was great and that we love her very much. What else can we say? She is our mother. We can’t hurt her any more than she’s already hurting.”
Author:  Alison H [ 26 Jun 2009, 06:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/06)
They couldn't really have said anything else, although at some point Joey will need to know more.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 26 Jun 2009, 07:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/06)
What an awkward position to be put in.

Thankyou.
Author:  di [ 26 Jun 2009, 07:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/06)
A very tactful response, tempering the truth quite nicely. However Joey wasn't fooled. I'm glad that part of her personality hasn't disappeared together with her memory; she always was sensitive to others -except her own family. :( Maybe this will change.
Thanks, jmc. Enjoy your holidays. We only have 3 weeks to go, but then we get 3 times more than you. ha ha!!
Author:  jmc [ 26 Jun 2009, 08:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/06)
di wrote:
Enjoy your holidays. We only have 3 weeks to go, but then we get 3 times more than you. ha ha!!


Oh well, it's too cold now anyway. I'll get 6 weeks over Christmas- New Year. Much warmer and more fun then.
Author:  crystaltips [ 26 Jun 2009, 14:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/06)
Vey awkward for Len & Con there, but handled well I thought. Nice that Jo is at least spending quality time with the next generation. I have a suspicion that this new Jo is going to be a bit disappointed/annoyed/maybe even embarrassed at the way she's turned out - assuming that she eventually regains her memory. I foresee changes ahead.
Thanks jmc
Author:  Lesley [ 26 Jun 2009, 16:12 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/06)
I don't think she will recover her memory - and in some ways I hope she doesn't - she's actually far nicer as a 19 year old.


Thanks jmc
Author:  jmc [ 27 Jun 2009, 01:57 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/06)
Meanwhile Tom and Alice were holding Jo’s hands and telling her which way to get to their Grandad’s office.

“I know you forgotted Grandma so I’ll help you,” said Tom full of self importance.

“Alice help too,” said the little girl happily.

The pair chatted to Jo as they made their way to Jack’s office. His door was open and Jack looked up in surprise as the three of them entered. Both Tom and Alice ran and gave him big hugs. Jack reached back towards a jar on a shelf behind him and produced some chocolate.

“No one here likes chocolate do they?” he asked laughing.

“Me! me!” cried both children holding out their hands.

“Grandma doesn’t know. She forgotted. Maybe I should eat hers,” said Tom hopefully.

“Tom you little minx! I haven’t forgotten everything you know. And I’ll have you know that I remember that I like chocolate very much.”

“What’s a minx?” said Tom completely undeterred.

“Jo don’t answer him. Once he starts on his questions he never stops,” said Jack. “Now what brings you up here?”

“They wanted to see you,” said Jo. She still felt awkward around Jack.”But now that we are here how much longer do I have to be in here? I feel perfectly healthy now. I want to get out and explore. See what the world is like now.”

“We’ll have to have some discussions about that Jo as there a lot of arrangements that we would have to make. I’ll talk it over with Phil, Madge and Jem and see what we can come up with. Now you two what say you take Grandma back to her room. I’ll come in and see you later Jo if that’s OK?”

“Please come Jack. I think we need to talk. And there are some things I want to ask you. Come on Tom and Alice. Grandma has forgotten again. I need you to show me the way back to mummy and Aunty Con.”

Tom ran ahead of Jo and Alice calling, “Come on. Come on,” as he went.

Len and Con looked up as they came back into the room. To their relief Jo made no mention of the earlier conversation but started up a conversation about what the Platz was like while drawing with the children. Con talked about the growing tourist industry and offered to bring Jo in some of her articles to read. Len described some of the rambles that the school went on.

“There is one place we could take you if we are allowed. It’s not too far and is quite an easy walk. The kids absolutely love it. Now I think we should go now. The kids have been remarkably quite for them and I don’t want to push them any further. We’ll come back tomorrow morning if you want.”

“I’d love it and Con make sure you come too. Bring some of your articles.”

Jo watched them leave wistfully. They were so open and friendly but there had been that hint of them holding something back. That was what she wanted to ask Jack about and if he wouldn’t tell her she would ask Madge.
Author:  Alison H [ 27 Jun 2009, 07:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
The kids are lovely, and things can be so much easier with kids than with adults.

Will be interested to see how Jack responds to her questions.
Author:  shazwales [ 27 Jun 2009, 07:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
Thankyou Jmc really enjoying this.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 27 Jun 2009, 08:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
I hope that the meeting with Jack goes well!
Author:  di [ 27 Jun 2009, 08:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
Will Jack answer her honestly? If he does how will she take it, I wonder. If Anna and Rosli are still around and if Madge and Jem can stay longer I can't see why Jo can't return home. Being amongst familiar things day after day may help her memory or she can readjust more easily.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  JB [ 27 Jun 2009, 09:01 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
This is so intriguing, as Jo hears about her life and make observations about it she wouldn't have before she lost her momery. She is nicer - and I hope she tells Jack he should be discussing her release with her, not with Madge and Jem.
Author:  JS [ 27 Jun 2009, 10:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
I wonder if we can guess which walk this is :)

Agree with JB that Jack should be discussing with Jo as well as her family.
Author:  Joanne [ 27 Jun 2009, 11:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
This is so fascinating, seeing what Jo thinks of herself as she grew. I wonder what most of us would feel like in that position. :o I know I'd be pretty stunned - and I only have 2 children!

Thank you for writing this so well.
Author:  keren [ 27 Jun 2009, 18:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
That is what I thought.
WHat would my 18 year old self have thought of what I am doing now?
How many of us would have expected the way our life turned out.
I already asked myself that on Friday, and I think that I would not have been surprised (I am 41).
For Jo the war made a big change and was a big catalyst
Author:  MaryR [ 27 Jun 2009, 20:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
But we're all constrained by our childhood and our families, and most parents do the best they can. We simply have to learn to forgive our parents any perceived wrongs, and let them know that, all in all, they did a superb job. I'm afraid I don't think Joey's family had it too bad at all.

And I feel so sorry for Jo having to ask such things - and being scared at what the answer might be.

Thanks, jmc
Author:  Lesley [ 27 Jun 2009, 21:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
I think Joey will find it very difficult to accept purely because she doesn't have the life experiences and memories to back up why she acted in certain ways. I'm sure all of us have changed drastically from the age of 18/19 when we thought we would live forever!


Thanks jmc
Author:  Lyanne [ 27 Jun 2009, 23:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
I suppose she took the news of Margot being a nun so easily because Margot is not an entirely real person to her yet. Plus she knew girls at school who took the veil so it must seem quite ordinary.
Author:  jmc [ 27 Jun 2009, 23:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/06)
Jack sat in his office after Jo and the kids had left. He looked at Jo and could see the women that he had been married to for many years but her mindset and thinking were that of the girl he had fallen in love with and in many ways missed. Jack missed the days when it had just been Jo and the young children. She had had a vitality about her then that was now gone. Back then she had been more open to ideas and willing to try new things. Now she rarely wanted to leave the Platz.

And although he loved them all in some ways he regretted having so many children. But Jo had always been so determined to beat everyone else. As well as their own children there had also been all the wards and other people who had lived with them at various times. It all made Jack feel that he never had never really had Jo to himself. The only real time had been just after they were married. Then he had gone to war. The war had changed so many things. He hadn’t even been home when the triplets were born. By the time the war had finished, there had not only been the triplets but also Stephen and Charles as well as Robin, Daisy, Primula and the Macdonald twins.

Over the years Jo had also become increasingly involved in the school. The only people that she ever had time for now were people at the school and Tom and Alice. Jack had to admit that she was a wonderful grandmother. She would drop everything to be with the pair of them. In fact he thought that she probably spent more time with them than she had spent with most of her own children. Jack often arrived home to find Jo was once again over at the school and that he had to eat dinner alone. He was horrified to find himself thinking that in some ways he hoped that Jo wouldn’t get her memory back. Then Jo might have more time for him, if he could get her to love him again.

Con dropped in after Len had taken Tom and Alice home. She talked frankly with her father about Jo.

“She’s asked me to come and talk to her,” admitted Jack after Con had revealed what her mother had asked and how they had responded. “It may or may not be about that as she has also asked if I can get her released from the san.”

“What are you going to do?” asked Con.

“I don’t know. There’s no real reason to keep her now. Being home might help her remember, but it’s becoming less and less likely that she is going to recover her memory. Are you able to stay much longer?”

“Only for another week or so. I have written enough on this area at the moment and I am due to go to New York and Boston for a month in two weeks. I really need to go back to London and sort out a few things before I leave. But I’ll stay here and help out for the next week.”

“Knowing Jo she will be soon asking some difficult questions. She seems to have accepted now what has happened and we will have to tell the younger kids. I don’t think we can put it off any longer. If I let her go home, and I think I will, she will start to find out more and more and knowing Jo, as she was at eighteen, I don’t think she will like all that she hears. I will answer all questions that she has as truthfully as I can. Madge and Jem have been great but it’s my turn to step up now. I also can’t ask you girls to do it.”

Con then gave her father a big hug to show her support and said, “I’m here if you need me. I don’t want to upset her at all. We were quite happy as kids. When will you talk to her?”

“I’ll talk to her this afternoon. Can you let your aunt and uncle know, as well as Len. We may need them if it doesn’t go well.”
Author:  Alison H [ 28 Jun 2009, 06:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 28/06)
I'm sure we'd all like to turn the clock back sometimes - I can understand Jack feeling like that, but ...

Wondering how Joey will reach to hearing about how she'd changed over the years.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 28 Jun 2009, 07:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 28/06)
It'll be hard for Joey to hear how much she had changed over the years, but then I'm sure most of us wonder where the person we once were has disappeared to the older the we become.

Thanks for the update
Author:  Lesley [ 28 Jun 2009, 07:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 28/06)
Glad that Jack is going to be honest - how sad that he seems to have fallen out of love with her as the years progressed. :cry:


Thanks jmc
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 28 Jun 2009, 08:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 28/06)
Poor Jack, this must be such an awkward situation for him. I hope that Joey takes the news well, but this could just drive them further apart.

Thankyou, this is so heartbreaking.
Author:  MaryR [ 28 Jun 2009, 16:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 28/06)
I'm not sure your older, wiser self would continue to be satisfied with an 18 year old, Jack, even though you might like it for the moment. :cry:

Thanks, jmc
Author:  jmc [ 29 Jun 2009, 05:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 28/06)
This bit is possibly a bit long as it is a bit of a history lesson for Jo.

Jo looked up as Jack walked into her room after lunch. Madge was in there with her. Madge had been telling Jo more about her life in Australia and about Dick and Mollie and their children. As Jack come in Madge got up and said that she needed to go and find Jem and with that she said goodbye to Jo and left the two of them alone.

“Ok Jo you said you wanted to talk to me so here I am.” Jack knew he was being a bit abrupt but he was worried about the upcoming conversation. He did love Jo despite all her faults and didn’t want to hurt her. He had thought of bringing her in some flowers but he didn’t want to scare her. This Jo had no experience with men so he knew he had to be careful.

“Am I going to get out of here any time soon?” was the first question.

Jack breathed a sigh of relief. This one was an easy one to answer. “I talked this over with Phil Grave before I came to see you. You are certainly well enough to leave here now. There is only the amnesia left. The question is where do you want to go? You can go to Freudesheim or Len has said you can stay with her for a bit. If you want to go to Freudesheim I can stay somewhere else if you wish.”

Jo blushed and for a moment was lost for words. Then in a barely audible voice said, “I think you should stay at Freudesheim.”

“Whatever you want Jo. If it gets too much I can always stay with Len or find a bed somewhere. Next question?” Jack asked. He decided not to make too much comment over Jo’s reply because he had seen her blush and guessed that she was embarrassed by her answer. He was very happy with her response though.

“I don’t quite know how to put it but when speaking to Len and Con earlier it seemed like they weren’t telling me the whole truth. Is there anything so frightfully bad about me that they can’t tell me?”

“No there is nothing bad about you. You are a very caring person who shares her life with a lot of people; however, there is a lot we haven’t told you yet. Mainly because we didn’t want to upset you. We were worried if we upset you then you would become ill again. We felt there was only so much you could absorb at once.”

“What haven’t you told me then? Why does no one want to tell me about these things? Why did Len and Con find it difficult to answer my question? And I know you know what I’m talking about. Don’t try to tell me that they haven’t spoken to you about our conversation.”

“Jo there is more about our family that you need to know. You see although we have 11 children of our own over the years there have been quite a few others who have made their home with us.”

“Others? How many others?”

“Robin for starters and then Daisy and Primula.”

“Well they are family aren’t they? Robin is my sister. And Madge said something about Daisy and Primula living with us. But why weren’t they living with Margot or Madge. They were Jem’s nieces after all.”

“Jo, I am afraid Margot Venables died just after we all escaped from Austria. When she arrived in Tyrol she was frail after all she had gone through. And leaving Austria was such a stressful and traumatic time that she just couldn’t cope. For various reasons Daisy and Prim lived with us for quite a long time.”

Jo’s eyes filled with tears at Jack’s news. “Jack that’s horrible. Poor Daisy and Primula. I hope they were happy with us.”

“Daisy never quite got over her mother’s death but yes I believe she was happy with us.”

“Who else lived with us then?”

“During the war we had twins called Flora and Fiona Macdonald. You knew some of their family somehow. Anyway they had to leave the island where they lived due the war and had nowhere else to go so they came to us. By having them we were also able to escape having children evacuated from the city. During the war Simone also lived with us for a time.”

“I see. Go on”

Well after we moved to Switzerland we became guardians to Roger, Roddy and Ruey Richardson. We met them while we on holiday in Tyrol. There father was obsessed with manned space flight and was neglecting them shamelessly. Ruey is about the same age as the triplets. We decided to take them in. Ruey went to school with our girls while the boys went to school in England, but they made their home with us in the holidays. There were no other relatives around.”

“Space flight! Is that possible? And what of their father now?”

“Manned space flight first occurred a few years ago but Professor Richardson died in an attempt while Ruey was still at school.”

“Oh the poor kids. Well we couldn’t have done any different I guess.”

“That’s not the end of it though Jo.”

“More! No wonder we had to live in an old hotel. Nowhere else would have been big enough”

“We also had two more wards, Adrienne Desmoines and Erica Standish. Adrienne was French and both of her parents had died. She was rescued by Robin when she was in France with her order. She persuaded you to give her one of your scholarships to the school. It turns out that she was a distant cousin of Rob’s. Erica was the daughter of someone you met while you were in India.”

“I had scholarships to the school? When did I go to India?” Jo was dazed. This was information with a vengeance.

“It was a couple of years after you left school. You went across with Robin. There was a doctor at the san at the time. Can’t remember his name but I couldn’t stand him because he kept chasing after you. You wanted nothing to do with him so you went out to India to stay with Dick and Mollie for a while. He was gone by the time you got back and we got engaged the next year. Anyway Dacia had died in India and she had left you guardianship over her daughter Erica.”

“We seem to have made a habit of acquiring children.”

“When you were bringing Erica out here you were involved in a train crash and in the crash a little baby’s mother was killed. Her father was dead and his family wanted nothing to do with her so we ended up adopting little Claire. She is the youngest of everyone and is only eleven now. I think that’s it. Well apart from Mary Lou but she never really lived with us and was already at Oxford when her mother finally died but we had cared for her from time to time.”

“That’s it! But that’s how many? I’ve lost count.” Jo was trying to count the number on her fingers but gave up in despair.

“They weren’t all there at once but I will admit that it was a pretty full house much of the time. Rob joined the convent before we left England and the Macdonalds left before that as well. Daisy and Prim were both grown up by that time as well. And don’t forget though as the kids got older the girls were boarders at the Chalet School while the boys were at school in England. Christmas was usually a fun affair though. We also often had girls from the school when they were not able to go home over the holidays.”

“How did we have time for everyone?”

“We did the best we could. As the kids got older they also helped with the younger ones. We had nursery help much of the time and then there has always been Anna.”
Author:  Lesley [ 29 Jun 2009, 05:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 29/06)
That phrase 'How did we have time for everyone?' is quite telling, isn't it?


Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 29 Jun 2009, 06:23 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 29/06)
This is a good reminder of how everyone came to live with Jack and Jo, I can never remember the wards stories, except for Three 3 R's. Very interesting that Jo picked up on the number of children versus the time they had, or didn't have, for them all. Now she knows that the older children helped look after the younger ones I wonder what she'll have to say about it!
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ 29 Jun 2009, 06:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 29/06)
Poor Joey: her head must be spinning. &, yes, how did they find time for everyone?
Author:  keren [ 29 Jun 2009, 07:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 29/06)
di wrote:
Now she knows that the older children helped look after the younger ones I wonder what she'll have to say about it!
Thanks, jmc.


Well at her remembered age, Joey was always helping in the nursery.
In the 1930's this would have been accepted.
Author:  JS [ 29 Jun 2009, 09:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 29/06)
Bit surprised Anna hasn't been allowed to see her yet - she must be frantic.

Thanks for that useful update - as others have said, Jo must be reeling.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 29 Jun 2009, 09:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 29/06)
I think Anna would be a good person to see Joey; she'll remember Joey from when she was younger, and she's down to earth and dependable. She would also be someone for Joey to know if she stays at Freudesheim.

I'm pleased that Joey has said Jack can stay - though I do wonder if this is with remembrances that even if she doesn't like it she is a doctor's wife, and she knows that Madge would disapprove of embarrassing him like that.

Thankyou, I'm on the edge of my seat to see what happens next!
Author:  Nightwing [ 29 Jun 2009, 10:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 29/06)
keren wrote:
[Well at her remembered age, Joey was always helping in the nursery.
In the 1930's this would have been accepted.


Expected, even!

Thanks, jmc! Still really enjoying this.
Author:  JB [ 29 Jun 2009, 10:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 29/06)
How well Jack handled that. Not surprised Jo lost count of all their wards.
Author:  Abi [ 30 Jun 2009, 00:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 29/06)
Poor Jo indeed - what a terrifying number of extra children, on top of eleven of her own!!
Author:  jmc [ 30 Jun 2009, 09:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 29/06)
“Who’s Anna? Not another ward?” Jo replied.

“Anna Pfeiffen is the person who makes our home function. She has been with us since we escaped from Tyrol.”

“Do you mean Anna who was a maid at the school?”

“That’s her. We would be lost without Anna. Anna has acted as a nursery maid for the children and also cooks and cleans for us. We also have Rosli now. She started out as a nursemaid for the younger ones but now helps Anna round the house. Not that there’s as much to do anymore. There’s no one in the nursery now and all the kids have either moved out or are only home in the holidays.”

All of what Jack had told her had finally sunk in so Jo just sat there staring at him.

“Are you Ok Jo? Speak to me,” Jack said. He looked at his wife. She didn’t look upset. She looked completely dazed.

Jo continued to sit in silence but her mind was extremely busy. “Ok I have eleven children of my own,” she was thinking. “And goodness knows how many others I have cared for. How did I manage to write one book yet alone keep writing? Hang on but Jack said the older ones looked after the younger ones. I must have been a terrible mother. I can’t have had time for all of them. Did Robin leave because she thought I didn’t have enough time for her anymore?”

“Jo can you hear me? Come on Jo say something.”

Jack’s voice penetrated her thoughts. She opened her mouth to speak but then closed it again. She just didn’t know what to say.

Jack continued to get Jo to try and speak to him but finally growning alarmed by by her continued silence went to the door and called in Phil who had been waiting outside.

“She not responding. She’s just sitting there. She was fine at first but now she’s just not saying anything. I think I told her too much.”

At this point a low moan came from Jo. Both men could see her lips moving. Phil moved closer and could faintly make out her saying over and over again, “I was terrible. I was terrible.”

“What were you talking about Jack?”

“Our family and all the other kids that have lived with us. Jo had been asking Len and Con what she was like as a mother.” Jack was no longer the doctor at this point. He was just someone who was worried about someone that he loved.

“Con come in here quickly,” said Phil.
Con who had also been outside the door came and stood next to her mother.

“Talk to here Con”

“Hi Mamma, it’s me Con”
Jo reacted to the sound of her daughter’s voice and started to cry, “I’m sorry Con. I’m so sorry Con.”

Con looked at her father and Phil and they indicated that she should continue to speak. “Why are you sorry Mamma?”

“I must have been a terrible mother.”

“You were wonderful Mamma. We al love you very much. Do you think that I would be here now if I didn’t?” Con didn’t know what else to say at this point so she just knelt down beside her mothers chair and wrapped her arms around her. After a few moments Jo relaxed her rigid posture and leaned in Con.

“Was I truly Ok Con,” she asked.

“You were truly Ok Mamma,” Con replied.

“I had enough time for you? I didn’t make you look after the others too much?”

”You were always there when we really needed you. And most of the time we didn’t mind looking after the littlies. In a big family everyone has to pitch in and help.”

Jo stopped crying and looked round at everyone. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m so sorry about everything.”
Author:  Liz K [ 30 Jun 2009, 09:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06)
Poor Joey :(
Author:  JB [ 30 Jun 2009, 09:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06)
Echoes poor Joey. What a lot to come to terms with.
Author:  keren [ 30 Jun 2009, 09:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06)
If you get Jack to comfort her now, and she tells him that he is a SLOC (Solid Lump of Comfort), then maybe we can start over :)
Author:  Alison H [ 30 Jun 2009, 10:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06)
Poor Joey :( . I like Keren's idea, though!
Author:  JS [ 30 Jun 2009, 11:03 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06)
Quote:
Did Robin leave because she thought I didn’t have enough time for her anymore?”


So sad - hope Con can reassure her.

Also liking Keren's idea.
Author:  Elbee [ 30 Jun 2009, 12:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06)
Poor Joey, realising all that.

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  jmc [ 30 Jun 2009, 13:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06)
Jack was unsure of what to do. His natural instinct was to comfort his wife but he wasn’t sure that Jo would accept him. It was hard for him to just stand back. Eventually after being encouraged by a look from Con he went to Jo and picked her up in his arms. She froze at his tough at first, but relaxed when he said, “Let’s get you back into bed. You look like you have a bit of a headache now. You probably should get some rest as you will be going home tomorrow.” With that he put her gently on the bed and pulled up the covers.

Jo relaxed back into her pillows. “Thank you everyone. Oh, do I have to?” pulling a face as Phil came towards her with a glass in hand.

“If you want to go home tomorrow you do,” Jack said.

Jo drank the concoction down spluttering a bit at the taste. Con gave her another hug and said that she would see her tomorrow and left as did Phil. Jack sat down in a chair next to Jo’s bed. He watched her as she closed her eyes.

“Thank you Jack,” she said with her eyes still closed. “How did you know that I didn't want to be left alone?”

“Because I know you.”

Jo’s last thought before she drifted off to sleep was that Jack’s arms had felt quite nice around her when he had picked her up.
Author:  keren [ 30 Jun 2009, 13:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06) x2
Thanks for another update.
Author:  JS [ 30 Jun 2009, 15:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06) x2
You are spoiling us.... thank you!
Author:  MaryR [ 30 Jun 2009, 15:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06) x2
If Jo hadn't taken in all these children, who else would have looked after them? She did what she had to do - and in a large family, the oldest DO help raise the others. I know I had to, back in the fifties. Bit of a shock for her, though, but her emotions seem to developing fast, welcoming Jack staying with her.

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ 30 Jun 2009, 15:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06) x2
That was nice :D .

She'll be able to remember Madge being responsible for Robin and Juliet, and Madge and Jem looking after the 4 eldest Bettany children - maybe that'd help
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 30 Jun 2009, 18:00 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06) x2
Awww, so nice to see her bonding with Jack again :D
Author:  RroseSelavy [ 30 Jun 2009, 20:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06) x2
This is lovely, jmc - thank you. I'm looking forward to seeing how Joey builds new relationships with Jack and her family.

As Keren said, it's interesting to think what our teenage selves would have made of the grown-up (ish!) versions. Did anyone else hear the programme on Radio 4 a few months ago where people read out letters they'd written at the age of 16 to their future selves? This drabble reminded me of it.
Author:  Nightwing [ 30 Jun 2009, 23:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06) x2
Ooh, I missed the second update! Thanks jmc - I hope this is a good sign that Joey will fall in love with Jack again :D
Author:  jmc [ 01 Jul 2009, 04:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 30/06) x2
I really appreciate all the comments. Thanks.

The next morning was bright and sunny. Madge appeared at Jo’s door quite early and asked, “So how are we today?”

“Not too bad considering how I was feeling last night. Bit scared of leaving here and going home though. It’s neutral here but at home I will be surrounded by things that are mine but that I can’t remember.”

“You’ll be fine Jo. Jem and I are both staying there and so is Con for a few more days. There’s also Anna and Rosli to help.”

“Con’s leaving? I didn’t know that.”

“She has to get back to work. She’ll be here until the end of the week and then she has to go. But she’s said that she will try and get back here when she can.”

Jo was disappointed. She had thought that Con would be around to help her. She realised that Len with two young children would not find it so easy. She had liked both of her daughters but for some reason she had felt particularly close to Con and Con had been such a big help to her last night.

“Madge, you were always responsible. I never really thought to ask you this before but with all that has happened in the last couple of days. How did you feel always having to care for other people’s children? I mean first there was me. You bought me up and then there were Dick’s children. And then you helped both Juliet and Robin. Grizel also spent a lot of time with us. You cared for Stacey after she hurt her back and also looked after Biddy when the middles decided to adopt her.”

“What else was there that I could do? I’ll admit that at times it was a little frustrating. But everyone helped each other out. You yourself were always helping out in the nursery when you could. India would not have been good for Dick’s kids. I couldn’t just tell Juliet that she wasn’t welcome at school and let her wander off round Europe by herself. I couldn’t turn a single one of them away. I just did what had to. And so did you. Now come on get dressed. A car will be here soon to take you home.”

Madge left so she could get dressed and when she came back she had Phil with her. He looked Jo over and warned her that although he was letting her go home she was still to take things easily and not go rushing off everywhere and trying to do everything at once.

“If I find out that you are overdoing it you’ll be back up here so fast,” he told her as she was leaving with Madge.

Both Jack and Jem were waiting at the front door for them.

“Jo is it alright if I come home with you now?” asked Jack.

Remembering how thoughtful he had been the night before and the feel of his arms around her Jo gave her approval. The four of them got into the car and drove the short distance back to Freudesheim. Jo was quiet during the drove home listening to the chatter of the others. As the car pulled up in front of the large house she could see two little children jumping up and down on the doorstep. As the car stopped they came running towards it. As Jo got out they grabbed onto her legs.

“Let Grandma walk you two. You don’t want her to fall over do you?” said Jack while scooping the two of them up.

Jack carried the two wriggling bundles to the door and deposited them down. He then turned to Jo who had followed him and said, “Welcome home Jo.”
Author:  Lesley [ 01 Jul 2009, 05:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 01/07)
So pleased that she's gone back home. Like the reply from Madge - and honest one that Jo will probably appreciate more than any attempt to say everything was perfect.


Thanks jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ 01 Jul 2009, 07:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 01/07)
Glad that Jo feels close to Con - she never seemed to take much notice of her most of the time. Madge handled that really well.

Really enjoying this.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 01 Jul 2009, 08:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 01/07)
Someone leaving so that Jo can get dressed? That is a rare phenomenon!

It's lovely to see her making an effort to accept Jack, and Jack trying his hardest to go at her pace. Thankyou :)
Author:  di [ 01 Jul 2009, 08:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 01/07)
Great that Joey is back home. Hope she starts to rebuild her relationship with Jack; perhaps now she's at home she'll be able to relax and he memory will return.
thanks, jmc.
Author:  Cath V-P [ 02 Jul 2009, 03:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 01/07)
I'm not surprised she was shocked by Jack's revelations, and wondered how they coped. But at least she is starting to come to terms with the people round her.
Author:  jmc [ 02 Jul 2009, 04:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 01/07)
Con who had been standing with the children grabbed their hands and everyone followed Jack into the room that he informed Jo was the Saal. It was the room that she thought that she had remembered from her previous visit. They all sat down and then in came a fair buxom woman pushing a trolley. Her eyes lit up when she saw Jo.

“Jo do you remember Anna at all.”

“Hello Anna. I remember you from the school. How are you these days? Jack tells me that we would be lost without you,” said Jo smiling at her.

Anna smiled back. “It’s nice to see you home again. Just let me know if there is anything that I can do for you.” It saddened Anna to see Jo like this. She had a lost look on her face and looked uncomfortable standing in the room. She was happy to hear though that Jack thought that they would be lost without her.

The rest of the morning passed by quite quickly. Jo did not join in much of the conversation preferring to play with Tom and Alice as they were quite insistent that she tell them stories and play games with them. She responded to when spoken to but otherwise payed very little attention to the conversation that the others were having. She found it easier to be with the children as they did not have any expectations of her other than to play with them. With the adults she found they were all trying so hard not to upset her that no conversation seemed natural.

“Can we draw now Grandma?” asked Tom and without waiting for a reply he rushed off to get some paper and pencils from upstairs. One his return he put some paper and pencils in front of Jo, Alice and himself and quickly started drawing.

Jo looked blankly at the paper. Drawing was definitely not her forte. But she having seen some of Tom’s drawings she was not too worried. The only thing was what to draw. She decided to ask for help.

“Tom, Alice, Grandma needs help. What should I draw?”

“Not girl things,” was Tom’s hasty reply.

Equally fast Alice said,"A Princess."

Not wanting to upset either of them Jo proceeded to draw a princess. But the princess was standing at the top of a castle and there was a dragon at the bottom. At least that was what she tried to draw. Looking ruefully at her handiwork she thought it was no wonder that she had been thrown out of art classes.

Madge came over to admire their efforts. She praised Tom’s train and Alice’s princess but when she looked at Jo’s attempt she burst out laughing. “Well amnesia certainly hasn’t cured you of your lack of drawing ability. Herr Laubach would have been ashamed of that effort.”

The others in the group then came over to look.

“Jo what is that you have tried to draw?” was Jack’s comment.

“Just as well you write not do illustrations for a living,” said Jem.
“Grandma,” said Alice in a reproving voice.”A princess wears pink not green.”

“I like it Grandma,” said Tom a little bit upset that they were all laughing at his grandma.

“Thanks Tom,” said Jo pulling the little boy close.
After a delicious lunch, provided by Anna, they decided to go for a stroll around the garden. There was a hammock strung between a couple of trees and Jo thought of the nights of the Sonnalpe when she had slept in one to avoid the heat. “Wish I was back there now,” she thought to herself.

Jack pointed out a beautiful rose garden and explained that it had been a cabbage patch when they first arrived. Jo had to admit that her garden was lovely and the views of the mountains were superb. It all seemed very nice and tranquil. There was a big hedge running along one part and cut into the hedge was a gate which Jo quickly worked out led to the school grounds next door.

“Although why we need a gate between us and the school I don’t know,” she thought. Then Jo realised that the girls had probably gone through it to school each day. After all it seemed unlikely that they would be boarders when they lived next door. As they were about to go back inside there was a click and the gate leading to the school was opened. Len came through quickly and after giving Tom and Alice quick hugs, came up to give Jo a hug.

“It’s nice to see you home again Mamma.”

At this point Alice started to cry. “I think it’s time for a nap for you little lady,” she said. “Come on Tom. You too.”
“No don’t want too. Want to play with Grandma.”

“Tom’s been so happy that you were coming home. I don’t know that he slept eally well last night because he was so excited. Sorry I wasn’t home when you got here but I had classes this morning. Tom how about Grandma comes up and helps you get ready for your nap? I hope that’s Ok with you,” Len asked Jo.

“I would love to.” Jo was secretly relieved by this. It gave her an
excuse not to have to sit in the Saal with everyone else for a bit longer.

Jo soon proved that she knew what she was doing in the nursery. She
told Len about how when not at school she had been expected to help with the children at Die Rosen.

“You know Peggy and Rix would have been about three the last I remember of them. David about two and Sybil was only a baby. Tom reminds me a bit of Rix. Does he always want to have his own way?”

“You have hit the nail right on the head. And although he is pretty agreeable most of the time he can have the most awful tantrums when he doesn’t get his own way.”
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 02 Jul 2009, 04:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/07)
Poor Joey! Can see why Alic and Tom would the easiest two to be around with them always wanting to play and they'll be the easiest to rebuild a relationship with as well as they don't have any expectations.

I'm glad Joey is making an effort with Jack as it would be so hard for him. It's interesting to see Joey's reactions to everything. I hope people allow her to be different and develop their relationship with what hse's like now rather than what she was for the past 30 or so years. I could see that being easier than trying to remember what she can't remember.

Thanks for the update
Author:  Lesley [ 02 Jul 2009, 05:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/07)
Quote:
“Although why we need a gate between us and the school I don’t know,” she thought. Then Jo realised that the girls had probably gone through it to school each day. After all it seemed unlikely that they would be boarders when they lived next door.


Wonder what Jo will think when she learns the truth - that a great deal of her time was spent at the School?

Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 02 Jul 2009, 06:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/07)
Children just accept things as they are, don't they?! Thank goodness for Tom and Alice; they've made Jo's homecoming much easier for her. It must be as hard for the other adults, especially Jack, as it is for Jo but hopefully things will settle down and some sense of normality will return.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ 02 Jul 2009, 07:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/07)
The kids are great.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 02 Jul 2009, 09:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/07)
At least with the children Jo has a point of focus, and she can start to re-build at least that part of her life easily. I just hope that things go as easily with other people, particularly Jack and her other children.

Thankyou.
Author:  JB [ 02 Jul 2009, 09:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/07)
Quote:
“Grandma,” said Alice in a reproving voice.”A princess wears pink not green.”


Love it.

:lol: :lol: :lol:
Author:  Liz K [ 02 Jul 2009, 10:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/07)
Wasn't lime green by any chance, was it??
Author:  jmc [ 03 Jul 2009, 08:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/07)
After the two were asleep Jo and Len quietly made their way back downstairs. They found that coffee and been set out and that con was telling her Aunt and Uncle some of her travel tales. Jo settled down to listen. Eventually the two men excused themselves and went into Jack’s study saying there was some business that they wanted to discuss. Con said that she wanted to write a letter to her fiancé and disappeared into Jo’s study while Len said she needed to do some marking. That left Jo and Madge alone in the room.

“Are you coping OK?” asked Madge eyeing Jo anxiously.

“I think so. It’s much nicer here than the san and a lot quieter too. I just don’t know what to do.”

“For the moment, just relax. Take your time. Look around the house. Spend some time in your study. You have Anna and Rosli here to cook and clean so you don’t need to worry about any of that.” If you want to chat I’m here but if you don’t want to that’s alright too.”

Jo decided that she would like to be alone for a while and off upstairs. Although she had been here before she hadn’t really looked around. She felt like she was snooping around someone else’s house. She peeked into the rooms but was still unwilling to really go in. She found Con in a room lying on the bed writing her letter. Con smiled at her as she came in.

“Hi Mamma, this is my room now. I did share it with Len and Margot growing up but neither of them need it any more so it is just mine now.”

“I guess even with such a large house with so many of you there was no choice but to share.”

“That’s true to some extent but Len, Margot and I have always shared a room. I think in the end we would have felt funny if we hadn’t. It didn’t really worry us as we were in the dormies at school anyway.”

“You mean that you were boarders even though you lived next to the school?” asked Jo in some confusion.

“Well we’ve pretty much always been boarders except when we were really tiny when the school was at Plas Howell. We had to be boarders at St Briavals because even though you took a house at Carnbach we couldn’t catch the ferry everyday and in Canada it was easier for us to be boarders because of the twins. Here the weather is sometimes too bad in winter to get across we were boarders. We couldn’t keep missing classes even though at times we would have liked to, especially Margot.”

Jo got a bit lost in this flow of information so she decided to keep on with her original line of questioning. “But what about when the weather was warmer? I can understand the winter months.”

“It just seemed easier to be at school. We would have missed out on lots if we weren’t there and you and Pappa were busy. It was fun being with our friends. We saw a lot of you anyway as you were always popping in and out of the school.”

Jo face which had started to frown at when Con said that she was busy changed to astonishment when she heard that she was frequently at the school. “Why was I in and out of the school so much?”

“You liked to keep your finger on the pulse of the school. You said frequently that you were the first Chalet girl and that you would always be one. You wrote some of our nativity plays and were always involved in the Sale. You also said that as Auntie Madge couldn’t be there someone had to keep an eye on what was going on.”

Jo’s eyes fell on Con’s letter at that point. She turned and walked quickly from the room saying as she left, “I’ll leave you to it.”

Con wondered at the quick departure and thought with a bit of unease that maybe she had said too much. But it was hard. When someone didn’t remember anything you never knew what might upset them. She hadn’t said that much really and it wasn’t as if she had told her how involved she was in the school. She sighed and then went back to her letter.

Jo was not in fact upset at Con’s words but they left her deep in thought. One part of her was happy that she was still involved with the school. She had been very happy there after all. But then another part of her felt that maybe she hadn’t really moved on that much, even though she was married and had what seemed like millions of children. She decided that she needed to know more about the school and her involvement.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 03 Jul 2009, 08:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/07)
Uh-oh, that sounds foreboding. How sad that even now the school still plays such a major role - she should be more concerned about getting to know her family again, IMHO.

Thankyou, can't wait to see what Joey finds out!
Author:  Lesley [ 03 Jul 2009, 08:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/07)
I think she's being wise actually, she's trying to find out about all aspects of the life she cannot remember - and as Con has just told her that the School played a large part it's only natural for her to want to know more.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ 03 Jul 2009, 09:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/07)
Maybe she needs to speak to Nell or Hilda.
Author:  JB [ 03 Jul 2009, 13:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/07)
Am really enjoying the insights into what Jo's thinking.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  di [ 03 Jul 2009, 17:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/07)
I'm also enjoying hearing about Jo's thoughts. I don't think Con said anything out of order, after all, Jo needs to know the truth. As Matey would have said ..'she's not a spineless jellyfish!'
Thanks,jmc.
Author:  Chatelaine [ 03 Jul 2009, 17:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 02/07)
jmc wrote:
even though she was married and had what seemed like millions of children.


Brilliant! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Author:  Abi [ 03 Jul 2009, 23:00 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/07)
I agree with Lesley - I think it's better for Joey to find out more about what was such a huge part of her life. After all, there were many good things about her involvement with the school despite the slight obsessiveness!

Thanks jmc, this is really interesting.
Author:  jmc [ 04 Jul 2009, 01:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 03/07)
Jo kept wandering around upstairs and walked the room that she remembered from her previous visit as being hers. “My room,” she thought. “By why do I feel as though I am about to go through someone else’s belongings.” She made her way over to mirror which was on top of the dresser and stood there staring at her reflection. “Well Josephine Bettany welcome to your life as Josephine Maynard.” Jo then proceeded to explore the room.

While still at the dresser she looked at the large number of hairpins sitting next to a hairbrush. “Well I won’t need them anymore.” She saw what looked like a bin in the corner of the room and scooping all the pins up put them in. She looked at the pictures on the wall and on her dresser. She recognised some of them as being her children and there was a lovely photo of Robin in a frame. On the wall there was a print of the Tiernsee which she was very happy to see.

Still feeling like an interloper Jo looked in the wardrobe. Her first impression was that there was lot of green. As she looked at the various clothes she couldn’t help but compare them to the ones she had seen in the magazine a few days earlier. There were knitted dresses and twinsets. Jo thought maybe she would take Madge up on her offer to go shopping and buy some new outfits. Not ones like the magazine. She didn’t think she would be comfortable wearing them but something new. That way she would not feel pressured to be the 49 year old Jo but she would not be the younger Jo either. She could be a new Jo.

She peeked in next door and found a man’s dressing room. She shut the door quickly as she didn’t really want to go down that road yet. She knew that Jack was her husband and had agreed to him living here but she still wasn’t entirely comfortable with the fact. He had been lovely and sweet to her and it had felt nice being in his arms but she still wasn’t sure if she was ready for a husband. She had found it easier to accept the children so far but she had only met two of them. Facing the whole crowd at once might be a bit intimidating.

After glancing in the remaining upstairs rooms and deciding that she had had enough of her own thoughts Jo thought that she would make her way downstairs again. She was heading towards the stairs when she heard a little giggle. She could make out Tom’s face peeking out round the nursery door.

“Hi Grandma, I’m awake now but Alice is sleeping. What you doing?”

“Just looking round to see if I remember anything but I don’t.”

“Can I show you my special place?” asked Tom.

“Of course you can. Show me the way”

Tom raced off down the passage and went up some more stairs. Presently Jo found herself in the attic. She hadn’t been in here before and looking round she saw lots of trunks and boxes and bits of broken furniture.

“This is my special place,” said Tom. “No one comes up here but me. Alice is a scaredy cat and won’t come cause she thinks there are big spiders up here.”

“So what do you do up here Tom”

“I play pirates. See this is my ship and all that stuff is my treasure. Wanna play pirates with me?”

Jo thought she would just play for a little while. She liked being with Tom. It was easy. Tom told her that she had to have a sword and produced a broken chair leg for her. She found herself draped in some sort of old shawl and Tom put a very ratty old hat on her head. He raced round and round the attic yelling wildly while Jo was hard pressed to keep up with him. The next thing she knew was that Len was up there with them looking at them both sitting on the floor.

“Well Mamma, I see Tom conned you into playing his favourite game with him. When he’s at St Nicholas this is all he and the other boys play in their free time.”

“How did you know we were up here Mummy,” asked Tom. “Now you’re here you can be my prisoner.”

“I think that they would have been able to hear you at the san you were making that much noise.” Len’s voice sounded a bit stern but her eyes were twinkling. “Now I think you had better have a wash. You are covered in dust young man. You might like to clean yourself up a bit too Mamma. Aunty Madge might have a bit to say if she see’s you like that.”

“This is nothing that unusual. I’m always coming home with a big rip in my skirt or covered in juice from picking berries.”

Tom got up and began to go downstairs.

“Wait a minute Tom. Put everything back where you found it.”

“Grandma has to help too. She got lots of stuff out.”

Jo and Tom proceeded to clean up the attic and only once it was finished did Len let the little boy leave. Upon leaving Jo realised that her hands were black with dust. She disappeared into a bathroom and it was a very clean Jo who descended down the stairs about half and hour later.
Author:  Lesley [ 04 Jul 2009, 05:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/07)
Tom is very good for Jo - he accepts her without any problems.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ 04 Jul 2009, 07:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/07)
The grandchildren are lovely, but she's going to have to face all her children eventually.

Love the reaction to the green clothes :lol: .
Author:  JS [ 04 Jul 2009, 07:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/07)
Yes, she always was quite a mucky pup, wasn't she? The 'new Jo' seems a sensible plan.
Thanks JMC.

(I'm now pondering what my 18-year-old self would think of my 43-year-old's wardrobe...)
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 04 Jul 2009, 08:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/07)
It's lovely that Jo has decided to change her life, but I wonder if her family are ready for such wholesale changes.

Thankyou.
Author:  di [ 04 Jul 2009, 08:42 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/07)
Tom is a poppet- just what Jo needs to help her adjust to her adult self. I wonder how both she and Jack will cope when he's at home!
thanks, jmc.
Author:  JB [ 04 Jul 2009, 10:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/07)
Quote:
That way she would not feel pressured to be the 49 year old Jo but she would not be the younger Jo either. She could be a new Jo.


What a good idea. And I think Tom is lovely.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 04 Jul 2009, 13:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/07)
Quote:
“This is nothing that unusual. I’m always coming home with a big rip in my skirt or covered in juice from picking berries.”


Interesting that she's still forgetting the last 30 odd years and still talking like it happened yesturday. Glad she's planning on reinventing herself rather than trying to go completely modern of go back to what she was like.

Am really enjoying this and can't wait to see what happens next
Author:  keren [ 04 Jul 2009, 18:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/07)
What interesting things can she find in these boxes?
Author:  Abi [ 04 Jul 2009, 23:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/07)
It must be a great relief to Jo to have someone she can relate to easily.

Thanks jmc.
Author:  Helen P [ 05 Jul 2009, 00:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/07)
I've just caught up from the beginning and I love this! Thanks JMC.
Author:  jmc [ 05 Jul 2009, 03:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 04/07)
Dinner was a quiet affair. Len had gone home with Tom and Alice to have dinner with husband. Tom, who went to St Nicholas three days a week, was due to go in tomorrow so Len wanted to make sure he would be in bed early. What with quarantine and that he hadn’t been in for a long time. Con was still worrying that she might have upset her mother. Everyone else was finding it difficult to make conversation in front of Jo. She didn’t know many of the people that they would generally talk about and knew nothing of current events.

Jo was quite happy to go to bed early as it had been a long day for her but the others sat round until quite late discussing what to do now that she was home. There was no getting round the fact that Jo’s memory didn’t look like it was going to return.

“We can’t put it off too much longer. We are going to have to tell all the other kids what has happened.”

“What about the younger ones? Claire is only eleven and Phil and Geoff are thirteen,” queried Madge.

“I don’t think we have too much choice. None of them will find it terribly easy but with Jo next to the school I think there is too much risk that they might find out. Jo might also run into them unexpectedly and I don’t think that scenario would be good for anyone. I don’t want to take her away from here because I think that this is the best place for her. And don’t forget that Tom knows. He’s back at St Nicholas tomorrow so who knows what he will say,” said Jack.

“I don’t envy you that job old man,” said Jem. “When will you tell them and what about the boys?”

“I’ll go off to my study and ring Nancy in a minute. She’s been ringing most days for an update on Jo so she knows the situation. I want to try and talk to them first thing in the morning.”

“Do you want me to come with you Jack?” asked Madge.

“No offense Madge but I thought I might ask Con to come with me.”

“Me?” asked Con surprised. “Why me?”

“Well you are in the same situation as them. Jo remembers Madge but she doesn’t remember any of you children. You will know what they are feeling and can probably help them more than anyone else can.”

“What about Len? Is she coming too?”

“I didn’t want to ask her because she will be busy getting Tom ready for the day and someone would need to look after Alice,” Jack replied. “And if both Con and I are gone I think you should be here for Jo,” he continued looking at Madge.

“What about the boys?” Jem asked again. “They are not likely to run into Jo very quickly.”

“I know but it’s not really fair that we tell the girls and not them. I don’t want to go because I don’t want to leave Jo. And who knows who they could hear it from. A lot of people know what has happened. Dick has already said that he will tell them. We just had to tell him when. He’s the closest and he’s already told them she’s not well. They’ve also spent a lot of time with him and Molly over the years when it was too far to come here over the holidays.”

Jack left to make the required phone calls and returned presently to say that Dick would ring Felix and Geoff’s school now to try and set up an appointment for tomorrow. As they had also been apprised of the situation it shouldn’t be too much hassle. He would also arrange to meet the others. Luckily Mike was in port at the moment. Nancy had said that he and con could breakfast with the girls in her study.

Con suddenly asked, “What about Margot? Do we tell her? Even if she can’t come here she would want to know.”

“I have already told the convent and they have promised to pass on the information for me and have said that they will pray for Jo’s recovery. Margot is in Africa apparently so it will take some time for the news to get to her.”

The talk of Margot made Jack realise one other thing.

“Do you think Jo has realised yet that she converted when she married me?” he asked.

The blank looks on the faces of the others told him that they had not thought of this.

“I don’t think that she has or she definitely would have said something about it,” said Jem.

“I don’t think she will find the news that difficult,” said Madge. “She frequently went to Catholic services and such when she was in Tyrol. But the way she is at the moment who knows how she will react. Let’s face that hurdle when we come to it. There is so much for her to take in, let’s not rush that one.”

The others agreed to this idea

“Mamma was also asking me questions today about how involved she was with the school. I told her that that popped in and out quite often and that we had been boarders. I think she is beginning to get the impression that she spent a lot of time there. She didn’t ask about the younger girls though.”

“I don’t think Jo sees them yet as real people. To her they are just people she has heard anecdotes about and seen photos of,” said Jack thoughtfully. “They will become more real to her once she has met them. As to the school, it was a big part of her life and she will learn that. Hilda and Nell are still around and I think that they are probably the best people to talk to her about it.”

Jack then told the others that he thought it was time for everyone to go to bed. It had been a stressful day and he knew he had to get up early in the morning for what was going to be a very difficult talk with his younger girls.

*edited because I left Felix out
Author:  Lesley [ 05 Jul 2009, 06:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/07)
Very interesting conversation about all the problems that still abound.


Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 05 Jul 2009, 06:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/07)
Difficult conversations ahead and before that a difficult night for Jack. I assume he'll be decent enough to sleep in his dressing room- he must have a spare bed there for all the times he comes in late from the San.
Thanks, jmc for such dedication, even at weekends.
Author:  Alison H [ 05 Jul 2009, 07:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/07)
What a nightmare of a situation.
Author:  JS [ 05 Jul 2009, 08:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/07)
Gosh, the ramifications of having such a long family.
Really enjoying this, thanks.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 05 Jul 2009, 08:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/07)
Goodness, there's still so many hurdles for them all. I just hope that it works out ok!

Thankyou.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 05 Jul 2009, 13:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/07)
Poor Jack. That will be a hard conversation to have with his younger daughters. Glad they thought that Con should go too.
Author:  Cath V-P [ 06 Jul 2009, 03:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/07)
Oh, that's difficult - and very emotionally wearing for everyone. And it will be very hard for the younger children to realise that essentially, they are now motherless, even though their mother is still physically present.
Author:  jmc [ 06 Jul 2009, 04:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 05/07)
Sorry it's a short post today. I have unexpectedly had to host a student from my school for a few days when there was a problem with her hosts. Feel a bit sorry for her stuck with me.

Jack found it difficult to get to sleep that night. He had checked on Jo before making his way to his dressing room but she had appeared to be fast asleep. He kept going over and over in his mind how to tell the girls. When it was finally time to get up the next morning he did not feel rested at all. He met Con in the dining room for coffee before they went over to the school and when he saw that she had black rings under her eyes he regretted asking her to help.

“You look as bad as I feel,” she said.

“Con I’m sorry if I pressured you into this. You don’t have to come with me if you don’t want to.”

“It’s the least that I can do. I won’t be here for much longer. I’m worried about Phil more than anyone. She is healthy enough now but I still worry about her. I think Flick is old enough to understand and both Cecil and Claire are practical but it is such a shock. I am still struggling with it myself. I thought I upset her badly last night.”

“I’m worried about all of them. But it is also both Felicity and Felix’s last year at school so I’m also worried about how detrimental it might be for their studies.”

“Yes but when I saw her the other day she seemed to have realised that things were more serious than she had been told. She told me that she hadn’t been sleeping that well. It could be worse to leave her wondering and worrying,”

Madge and Jem who were both also up saw them to the door and wished them luck as they put on their coats and with worried expressions set off toward the school.

Over at the school four girls were given a rude shock when a message was sent round asking for them to report to the Head’s study as soon as they were ready. As all four were relatively law abiding souls they were perplexed as to what the summons might mean.

Felicity was the only one who thought that it might be about more than her behaviour. She was nearly eighteen and was a prefect so she didn’t have any worries on her own account. Like Con had realised she was starting to believe there was more to her mother’s illness than she had been told. At first she had been able to push the worries to the back of her mind but as time went past they had grown. Although she had been told that her mother was recovering, she realised that they had been given no real details. She also found it strange that she had not been allowed to visit her. She had had a bit of difficulty sleeping but, despite being urged by her good friend Lucy Peters in whom she had confided her worries, had resisted going to see Matron Henschell.

Felicity arrived at the study and found the door open. Her worries seemed to be confirmed when she saw both her father and Con sitting there as well as Miss Wilmot.

“Pappa is Mamma Ok?” she asked anxiously

“Yes but I’ll tell you more when the others get here.”
Cecil came in next and she was followed shortly by Phil and Claire both of whom looked apprehensive. Upon seeing their sisters in the study as well as their father looking so serious this just caused them to grow more worried as their father was not known for popping in to the school at such an early hour.

Jack cleared his throat and said, “It’s about your mother.”
Author:  Lesley [ 06 Jul 2009, 05:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/07)
Poor girls, so difficult for any of them to understand; Felicity might be able to cope with it - but the others, being younger, will see it as a rejection of them. :cry:


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ 06 Jul 2009, 07:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/07)
This is going to be difficult.

Hosting a student who was unexpectedly stranded - that's a brilliantly CS-ish thing to do, jmc :D .
Author:  JS [ 06 Jul 2009, 07:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/07)
Felicity and Jo are about the same 'age' in this - could be interesting.

Thanks jmc - your unexpected student isn't called Juliet, is she?
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 06 Jul 2009, 09:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/07)
*sends good luck vibes to Jack and Con*
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 06 Jul 2009, 13:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/07)
Hope the conversation goes well for them all. sometimes the anticipation is worse than the actual event.

Good luck with hosting a student. I'm sure you'll be fine
Author:  jmc [ 06 Jul 2009, 23:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 06/07)
Thanks for the comments re hosting. Hosting is not a new experience.I just wish she would talk. I speak her language too. Very awkward guest

Unaware of what was going on in Nancy’s study Jo slept quite late the next day. Despite being tired by her first day home she had found it difficult to get to sleep. She had tossed and turned as she tried to piece together what she knew of herself now. She felt that she had come quite a long way but there were still so many gaps. She heard everyone else come upstairs and pretended to be asleep when she heard someone opening her door. Once she had fallen asleep though she slept soundly and by the time she got downstairs she was told by Anna that everyone else had already eaten breakfast, Jack and Con had left together, Jem had gone to the san and that Madge was in the Saal reading. Jo said that she would have some coffee but that she wasn’t really hungry. She poured herself a cup of coffee and went into the Saal to seek out Madge. After gulping down the coffee she said to her sister that she was going for a walk and that she would have something to eat later. She found some coats near the door and pulled on one that looked like it would fit her and set out.

It was cool outside but Jo found it invigorating. She set off down her driveway and out onto the road. Looking at the mountains she felt oddly at home. She strode down the road whistling as she went. She was passing a large chalet when she spied a woman with short curly bronze hair who looked oddly familiar. The woman gave her a friendly wave as she passed by. Suddenly she realised who it was.

Jo spun back around to face her and said, “Hilary Burn, what are you doing up here?”

Hilary came up to Jo and gave her a hug. I’m so glad you’re home.”

“You are one of the last people I expected to see up here. Last I remember of you is that you were at St Scholastikas. I can’t believe you ended up here. Remember the Sale?”

“I do indeed. The story of you nearly slaying Bill has become a legend in the school. And I will never forget that you prostrated yourself before me. As to what I am doing up here, my husband is Phil Graves your doctor. I met him while I was teaching at the Chalet School when it was on St Briavals.

Jo went red as Hilary mentioned the story of Bill. “That is one thing I wish I didn’t remember along with when I called her an idiot on camp.”

“Well that one is a bit of legend too. Bill even mentioned it in her retirement speech,” said Hilary laughing.

“It’s nice see you up here. As Phil is your husband I’m sure you know what’s happened. Maybe we could get together sometime and you could fill me in on some things.”

Suddenly serious Hilary said, “Anything to help you Jo. Just call and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Thanks Hilary. I’d better be getting back or they might send out a search party for me. Please come and see me soon.”

“I’ll do that,” Hilary promised

Jo was on her way back to Freudesheim, pondering over Hilary's comment that she had become a legend, when down the road came a group of girls walking in straight lines. They were wearing blue uniforms and looked to be about fifteen or sixteen. As they came closer they realised that she was there and there were cries of Mrs Maynard. Not knowing what else to do Jo just smiled, waved at them and continued walking.
Author:  di [ 07 Jul 2009, 06:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/07)
I'd forgotten that several old girls were also living near by. They'll be a bolt hole when every thing gets too much for Jo. I do hope the conversation with her younger daughters and Jack and Con is going well and that they're coping with the fact that their Mamma hasn't a clue who they are! :twisted:
thanks, jmc.
Author:  shazwales [ 07 Jul 2009, 06:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/07)
Thanks jmc , Jo did well when she ran into the school,especially as i don't think anyone would have thought to tell her of the change in uniform.
Author:  Lesley [ 07 Jul 2009, 06:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/07)
Nice that she was able to recognise Hilary and chat to her so easily. It must seem very strange hearing yourself described as a legend.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ 07 Jul 2009, 07:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/07)
It's good that there are some familiar faces there, but it must be very disconcerting when the girls all recognised her and she didn't know who they were.
Author:  JB [ 07 Jul 2009, 09:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/07)
I'd forgotten that there are several people on the Platz that Joey will remember and may be able to help her.

I do love these daily updates.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 07 Jul 2009, 09:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/07)
Thankyou, it's nice to see Jo starting to regain her old self a little, and learn to cope with what has happened. Will she want the school to be told, I wonder, or will she for once have pity on her family and ask that they don't know?
Author:  jmc [ 08 Jul 2009, 02:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 07/07)
Jo walked back to Freudesheim to find Madge sitting in the Saal still reading. She sat down and looked at Madge waiting for here to notice her.

“How was your walk?” asked Madge.

“I enjoyed it mostly. It was nice to be out in the fresh air. For a minute I almost forgot about everything that has happened. And you’ll never guess who I ran into.”

“Well unless your memory has returned and you haven’t told me there are only a few people here whom you would know. I don’t think that it was Len and the kids or you wouldn’t be asking me to guess.”

“You’re right. It was Hilary Burn and she said something about me being some sort of legend in the school.”

“Hilary. Yes I’m not surprised you recognised her. Despite being married and having four children she never seems to change. As to you being a legend well you were one for doing impossible things. Which particular one were you and Hilary taking about?”

“Calling Bill and idiot and the one where I landed on her at the Fairy Tale Sale,” said Jo sheepishly.

“That’s one of your better ones. I did think anyone else has ever managed to silence Nell like that. Jo did Hilary tell you that she had been a mistress at the school?”

“She mentioned that briefly.”

“Well I guess I should tell you that St Scholastikas become part of the school in 1936 I think it was. Miss Browne came into some money and didn’t want the school any more so she offered it to me. All of a sudden the school was much bigger. Hilary later became one of our head girls and was in fact the head girl when we had to leave Austria.”

“I always liked Hilary and wished at times that she could have been part of the Chalet. Madge, what it it?” Jo asked seeing Madge’s face had suddenly become very serious.

“I don’t quite know how to tell you this Jo but when the Saints joined the Chalet Hilda Annersley also became the head mistress.”

“But, what about Mademoiselle? You didn’t get rid of her did you? She might not have been you but we all love her.”

“Don’t be ridiculous Jo. Of course I didn’t get rid of her. In the term after you finished at the Chalet she became very ill and had to have a serious operation from which she never fully recovered. Although she survived the operation she was never again able to teach so Hilda became head.”

Jo eyes filled with tears. She loved the Frenchwomen who had started the Chalet School with her sister and had taken over as head when Madge had gotten married. She had helped her through last term at school when she had so much trouble with the new matron. And when only a few terms ago there had been so much trouble with Robin’s health Mademoiselle had been so comforting and so thoughtful. She looked up at her sister and realised there was still more news and that it was the worst possible.

“When?” she asked simply.

“Therese managed to hold on until we reached Guernsey but died early in the war.”

Tears now streamed down Jo’s face. “I only saw her a couple of weeks ago at the end of term. I can’t believe that she’s gone.”

“Jo she spent the last few years of her life in a lot of pain. She is much happier now where she is.”

Jo sat there in silence remembering just how much Mademoiselle had done for her. So absorbed in her thoughts was she that she didn’t hear the front door open and see Jack look into the room his expression grim. On seeing his face Madge hurried out of the room and motioned Jack towards the study.

“How did it go? And where’s Con?”
Author:  di [ 08 Jul 2009, 06:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/07)
Oh dear, the girls obviously didn't take the news about their mother very well. Is Con still at the school comforting them? I wonder what happens now?
thanks, jmc.
Author:  Joanne [ 08 Jul 2009, 06:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/07)
I do feel sorry for everyone here. And of course what the girls will want is their mother, and that is just what they can't have. :(
I do hope Con, or someone, is able to help them.
Author:  Alison H [ 08 Jul 2009, 07:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/07)
This is so sad, but so interesting.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 08 Jul 2009, 08:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/07)
Poor Joey, having to re-live all of her grief again. Can't wait to see how the rest took it. Thanks.
Author:  JS [ 08 Jul 2009, 08:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/07)
Doesn't look good :(
Thanks jmc.
Author:  JB [ 08 Jul 2009, 09:01 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/07)
Poor Joey - how difficult when she feels she saw Mlle a few weeks ago. This is fascinating and very moving.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 08 Jul 2009, 09:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/07)
Poor Joey having to hear that news again. And I take it the news didn't go well if Jack has returned on his own
Author:  Abi [ 08 Jul 2009, 21:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/07)
Poor Joey, that must have come as a horrible shock. I hope telling the children didn't go too awfully.
Author:  jmc [ 09 Jul 2009, 01:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 08/07)
“Con is still over there waiting for me to come back. And it didn’t really go well it. It was never going to. Oh Madge you try telling young girls that their mother doesn’t remember them.”

Jack cast his mind back to Nancy’s study. Nancy had left when all the girls had come to give them some privacy. Felicity was already worried about her mother while the others had had no idea about the reason for their summons. As he described what had happened to Jo he could see different emotions coming across their faces. At first there was fear and then relief when he said that she was fine but when he told them about the amnesia there was complete shock. When he further explained that her memories were fine up until the age of 18 but that she remembered nothing after that there was total silence for a few seconds before Felicity burst into tears. She was the first to understand the implications of what Jack told them and being so tired she started to fall apart. Con caught her as she started to sway, took her in her arms and just held her close.

At the sight of their older sister lying in Con’s arms the Phil and Claire started to cry as well. At this stage they had not quite taken in what Jack had told them but seeing Felicity’s reaction confirmed to them that it was serious and they moved close to their father. Cecil just stood there, her face tight but with tears in her eyes.

As Felicity’s sobs continued Jack felt lost. He found it difficult to comfort the girls when he felt so confused himself. He pulled himself together quickly and put his arms around his two youngest girls and motioned for Cecil to come to him as well. Eventually when all tears had stopped they talked about what it meant for them. Claire as the youngest was finding it most difficult to comprehend.

“But why doesn’t she remember?”

Jack explained further about the illness that Jo had. He also told them that her memory might never return.

“So she doesn’t remember me being so sick or anything like that?” asked Phil

“The last thing about her life that your mother remembers is finishing school and a few weeks of holiday after that. She only remembers me as a friend and not your father. She does know about you though as we have told her and both Con and Len have been to see her.”

All four girls turned to look at Con who smiled at them. “I know what you are going through. I couldn’t believe it either, when Pappa told me, and I was scared of going to see her. She doesn’t look any different but she really doesn’t remember us. I know it’s hard but you are all going to have to be strong."

Jack noticed that Felicity at this point was still looking very white so he suggested that she should go to bed. She admitted that she had not been sleeping well because of her worry about her mother. Jack cursed himself for letting her get to this state. He had been so concerned about Jo and himself that he had left Felicity to stew over her mother’s illness. He took her up to the san and once she was changed and in bed sat with her and reassured her as best he could.
Eventually Felicity’s eyes closed and she fell into a deep sleep.

He returned to the study to find that Nancy had returned. Con had rung Len and had arranged for them to go to Len’s house for the day as none of them felt like being in school that day. They had talked it through and they had decided that they wanted to spend the day putting together some photo’s and stories together to tell their mother. Con had agreed to help them with this and Len had said that her house would be the best place. Felicity could join them later if she wished.

Before returning home, to get the boxes of photos and the albums that Jo kept in her study, Jack asked Nancy to continue to keep quiet about Jo’s condition. “The staff already know about the amnesia, but please don’t tell the girls yet. If they ask where my girls are, just say that they have gone to Len’s for the day. Lucy Peters will probably need to know something at some point as Felicity seems to have confided in her and she is probably worried about where she is. We are not going to be able to keep quiet about it for much longer but I would like to for as long as possible.”
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 09 Jul 2009, 02:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/07)
The poor girls. It was a good idea of Len and Con's to put together photos and memories for Joey. And poor Jack. It is hard to balance everyone's needs and your own. Hope Felicity is okay after a good sleep and can then join the others. Hopefully they do tell Joey and she is able to try and forge a new relationship with her daughters soon
Author:  Alison H [ 09 Jul 2009, 07:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/07)
Glad that Lucy's there to support Felicity. Sadly there's no easy way of dealing with this.
Author:  di [ 09 Jul 2009, 07:17 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/07)
I really feel for those girls. :( Hopefully the putting together of photos will help them deal with the shock and thus help Jo.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  JS [ 09 Jul 2009, 08:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/07)
Great idea about the photo stories, jmc. Thanks.
Author:  leahbelle [ 09 Jul 2009, 13:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/07)
It must be so hard on everyone. Thanks, jmc.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 09 Jul 2009, 16:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/07)
This is so sad, but well done on thinking up the idea. Sorry for Jack who, really, hasn't done anything wrong - or at least anything anybody else may well also do - but who seems to feel guilty.

Thankyou.
Author:  Lesley [ 09 Jul 2009, 19:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/07)
Poor kids - hope Con is able to help.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Helen P [ 09 Jul 2009, 22:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/07)
Poor girls, what a horrible thing for them to have to deal with. :(

However I must confess to a pleased chuckle about Jack sitting with Felicity and reassuring her till she fell asleep - far better practice than slipping her a dose and leaving her to it! Well done Jack! :)
Author:  jmc [ 10 Jul 2009, 00:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 09/07)
It was a sombre group that greeted him as he walked into Len’s home. He could see that they had been crying again as they all had suspiciously red eyes. Alice was walking round them her eyes wide. She couldn’t work out why everyone was upset but was doing her best to comfort them all by giving all of them cuddles. Len had made hot drinks for everyone and they were sitting around the kitchen chatting quietly.

Jack placed the boxes of albums on the table and sat down with his girls. Len looked at her father and noticed how tired and worn he looked. She placed a mug of tea in front of him and asked if he would like to help with their project. It had been decided that each girl would produce their own album. Len had provided some paper for them to write on and they were going to write notes around the photo’s. The notes would be not only anecdotes about their lives but also reactions from Jo about their actions and they were going to write Jo letters about their hopes and dreams. Jack decided that he would produce a small album about his life with Jo. Len and Con were going to make one between them and were going to include Margot. Seeing that their brothers were not there they decided to make an album with their memories of the boys. Alice wanted to join in as well so she was allowed to draw to picture of her family.

They worked quietly to begin with but as they started reminiscing and telling stories about each other they got louder and louder. The each heard things about each other that they had not heard before although Con was heard to wish that people would stop bringing up her response to a certain question. Jack left just before lunch saying her was going to check on Jo and then on Felicity. The girls were overjoyed when he came back a few hours later bringing Felicity and Tom with him before leaving again. She still looked pale but had lost some of the dark circles that had been under her eyes. They filled her in on what they were doing and she joined quickly. Alice who had finished her picture was in bed for her afternoon nap. Tom wanted to join in so he drew another picture for Jo and dictated a letter which Len wrote down for him trying not to laugh as she did so. Amongst his hopes he had said that he hoped that he could eat chocolate every day and not have to comb his hair so often and that he wanted to be a pirate and have lots of treasure.

By dinner time they were all exhausted but they had finished. Len’s husband, Graham, came home and he insisted on looking at all of their work. All of the girls adored Graham and they thought that he was perfect for Len. He was always willing to play games with the younger ones and was happy to listen to their stories. He set the table while the girls packed up their work. Anna had sent around a big pot of soup and some bread for them all for them all when Jack had gone home to check on Jo.

After dinner Len asked the girls if they wanted to go back to school or if they wanted to squeeze in here. Both Tom and Alice were excited by the thought that their Aunties might camp out in their living room and wanted to join in the fun but they all proclaimed that it would be easier for them just to return to school. They had discussed at some point during the day what they were going to say if people asked why they had been absent. Their first thought had been to simply say that their mother wasn’t well but when Jack had bought Felicity back he had told them that Jo had mentioned seeing some of what had looked like middles when she had gone for a walk. So they decided they would just say family problems, except for Felicity who had discussed with Jack about telling Lucy the truth. Graham walked them back to school later in evening and left them in a much better frame of mind than when they had left that morning.

The big question had also been when to show their handiwork to Jo. Phil and Claire in particular were a bit hesitant about going to see their mother, so it was decided that Jack with the help of Len, who had been given leave by the school for a few days, and Con would go and see Jo the next morning and depending on her reaction, the girls would come over in the afternoon. Con only had a few more days left of her leave and she wanted to be there when Jo met some more of her family.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 10 Jul 2009, 01:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/07)
That sounds like a good plan. I hope the visit goes well and Joey is able to reassure them that she may not remember but that she does still love them and wants to know them all over again.

Thanks (am really enjoying being the first to comment :D )
Author:  Lesley [ 10 Jul 2009, 05:17 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/07)
Pleased that they all seem to have benefited from making up the albums and being together.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ 10 Jul 2009, 07:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/07)
That seems to've helped them. It's a really nice idea anyway, even apart from helping Joey.

Poor Con - people'll still be going on about Daniel in the lions' den when she's getting her pension!
Author:  JB [ 10 Jul 2009, 09:42 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/07)
Poor Felicity. Glad she has Lucy to talk to.

Love Tom's letter.
Author:  JS [ 10 Jul 2009, 09:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/07)
Graham sounds a good sort too. Thanks for the regular updates.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 10 Jul 2009, 15:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/07)
Thankyou, I hope that their plan works! (And that Tom gets his wishes :lol:)
Author:  leahbelle [ 10 Jul 2009, 16:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/07)
What a good idea and it sounds like they all had a lovely time reminiscing (I've no idea if I've spelt that properly!).
Author:  MaryR [ 10 Jul 2009, 16:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/07)
I'm so sorry for missing out on reams of this, jmc, but you understand why, judging by your kindly, encouraging response on my last message in ND! :D

I have wept my way through the last sections, wondering how on earth life can ever back back to normal for all these good people, and suffering with the children and Joey and Jack as they all try to develop some closeness and understanding. Will there ever be anything that will jog her memory and strike sparks? :cry:

Thank you.
Author:  Abi [ 10 Jul 2009, 22:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/07)
It was lovely to see them all enjoying making the albums and I'm sure Joey will really appreciate them. I hope she'll get on well with the children too. Thanks jmc.
Author:  jmc [ 11 Jul 2009, 01:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 10/07)
Jo, meanwhile, had been bored for much of the day. She could not seem to settle at anything. She tried reading but couldn’t concentrate. She had wandered into the kitchen but Anna had been too busy to talk to her. She offered to help make whatever it was that Anna was making but Anna had laughed and said that it might be better if she didn’t help. She decided to listen to the radio to try and distract her. She found a station that said it played the hits. She listened to The Beatles and also a group called The Rolling Stones which she also decided that she quite liked. She annoyed Madge by playing the radio at maximum volume and then trying to talk to her sister without turning it down.

Finally Madge realising that Jo was working herself up told her to go for another walk to clear her head. Jo set out at a fast pace but soon found herself slowing down. She didn’t seem to have as much energy as she used to. She followed the road that she had taken that morning as she was reluctant to veer off in case she got lost. She arrived back at Freudesheim much refreshed but also tired.

She ate afternoon tea with Madge and Jack where she told Jack about her meeting with Hilary and then seeing the school girls. After lunch she sat down with her book again but soon fell asleep waking late in the afternoon.

“Madge what do I usually do all day?” she asked upon after her nap. “I don’t seem to cook as Anna laughed when I wanted to help. From what I’ve seen and a couple of Jack’s comments I don’t seem to do that much around the house. There are no children here anymore and the Platz doesn’t seem like it’s brimming with life or with things to do. So what do I do?”

“To be honest Jo I don’t really know. I don’t come here much any more and your letters are mainly full of the goings on at the school or about the doings of old girls, your friends and your children. As to your cooking while you can make basic things it is usually much quicker not to mention cleaner to let Anna do it.”

“Yes but surely I must do something. I guess I might spend some time writing but Ican’t do that all the time.”

“I know that you look after Alice and Tom, when he’s not at St Nicholas, while Len is working and you occasionally go to visit friends in Montreaux. You also spend a fair amount of time next door at the school."

“There is the school again. From what I have been able to piece together I seem to spend half my time there.”

Madge realised that she had to be careful about what she said next. She didn’t want to give her real opinion which was that Jo had never managed to separate herself from the school and now that she had no children at home to distract her was currently driving some of the staff a bit crazy. When Nancy Wilmot had taken over from Hilda, Jo had been over there constantly giving her advice. She was also reluctant about any change within the school and had been very upset when it had been decided that the school was going to move.

“The mistresses at the school are your friends so you like to visit them. There are not that many people to socialise with up here so you gravitate towards them. A large number of the mistresses are also old girls so I guess you have been friends a long time. The school provides much of the entertainment up here as well and I know that you are generally involved in the Sale, sports days and the Christmas play.”

“So what you are saying is the school is my life basically.”

Madge just nodded her head in agreement at this statement.

“Look, although it is my school I haven’t had very much to do with the day to day running of it for some time. I am consulted about major decisions and often suggest things but the running of the school is left to the discretion of the Head. I told you Hilda Annersley took over as head from Mademoiselle but Nell Wilson become co-head whilst the school was in England and was in charge of the St Mildred’s branch. Both of them are still in the area and would be happy to talk to you about your involvement with the school. I am sure Hilary would also help and so would Biddy.”

“Biddy? Do you mean Biddy O’Ryan? Is she up here too?” asked Jo.
“Biddy was also a mistress at the school until her marriage to a Swiss doctor. You probably didn’t notice but the chalet where Hilary lives is divided into two. Hilary and her family live on one side while Biddy and hers live in the other.”

They heard the front door close at that minute. Jack came into the room followed by Jem.

“Just picked Jem up at the san. He spent all day there looking at the books and talking to the doctors.”

“I think that the move into more general medicine is working well, although I think you need to extend the emergency ward a bit more,” said Jem. “Hi you two. Have you had an enjoyable day?”

Jo looked at Jack carefully. He was looking so tired. She realised that apart from afternoon tea she had barely seen him that day and wondered what he had been up to. From his statement about picking Jem up it appeared that he hadn’t been at the san. Jo then caught Jack looking back at her and quickly looked away, not wanting to be caught staring. She excused herself mumbling something about wanting to see if dinner was ready.

Jack took advantage of her absence to quickly tell the others what he had been up to that day and then to tell them about his plan for then next day.

“It will all depend on how Jo is in the morning though,” he said quickly as Jo came back into the room announcing that dinner would be in ten minutes so they should all go and wash up.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 11 Jul 2009, 03:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/07)
Poor Joey, it's a lot to take in and she would be bored if she hasn't got a current book on the go. Hope she is able to develop new interests. Perhaps she does need to start looking after Tom and Alice again and get her life back to a certain extent
Author:  Lesley [ 11 Jul 2009, 07:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/07)
I don't think this Jo will be too happy when she discovers the full extent of her involvement with the School - and she's not likely to continue it.

Loved the playing the radio too loud and annoying Madge! :lol:


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ 11 Jul 2009, 08:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/07)
Maybe she could try doing some writing?
Author:  di [ 11 Jul 2009, 09:23 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/07)
Thanks, jmc I'm still enjoying this immensely and feel so sorry for everyone who is feeling the impact of Jo's loss of memoy. I wonder what Jack has in store for tomorrow - a short walk perhaps to one of their favourite spots or a drive to Montreaux.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 11 Jul 2009, 19:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/07)
Thankyou, jmc, I still hope that this works out well for everyone.
Author:  jmc [ 12 Jul 2009, 00:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/07)
The next morning Jo was up bright and early. She thought about the night before. During dinner Jack and Jem had talked about the san and their ideas for it. Madge at interjected at times but Jo had been largely silent. Although Jem had retired he still seemed to be very much involved. They were also discussing what Jack would do when he retired. The talk of Jack retiring really bought home to Jo that she was not the young schoolgirl that she still thought she was. After dinner the two men had disappeared into the study saying that they had phone calls to make. While waiting for them to come out Jo looked to Madge as though she was reading intently but if pressed she would have had to admit that she had not taken in a single word as she had been lost in thought. When Jack and Jem came out again a couple of hours later Jack looked even more tired as well as depressed.

Jo was trying to decide what to do for the day. Should she go to Hilary’s and maybe see if Biddy was around or should she just wander and try to get to know more of the local area? Although she loved her sister dearly she was missing the companionship of her friends. She wanted to see them all again but realised that they would have moved on with their lives and that nothing would bring back the carefree life that was all she remembered. Looking out the window though she saw that the sky was heavy with dark clouds and that it was raining heavily. She then thought about the attic where she had played with Tom the other day. There had been lots of boxes there so thought maybe she should go through them. She was sure they would contain lots of interesting things.

When Jo arrived in the dining room for breakfast the room seemed to be full of people. Seated around the table was Madge, Jack and Jem as well as Len and Con. Tom and Alice has been seated but as Jo came in the door they slid quickly off their chairs and rushed towards her.

“Grandma, we’ve come to have breakfast with you,” said Tom excited because this was a special treat.

“I’m so glad to see you and Alice,” said Jo bending down and giving them both big hugs. Jo was pleased. Playing and talking with Tom and Alice, who were the only two people with whom she felt she could be completely natural, would enliven her day. “Come on sit either side of me you two.” Jo looked round at the others and Len vacated her seat between the two for Jo and took a seat further down the table.

Breakfast was more lively than dinner the night before. Tom was eager to talk about his day at school and kept Jo laughing with his descriptions of the day. He had to be reminded on several occasions to stop talking and go on with his breakfast. Alice didn’t really have much of a chance to get a word in but she kept slipping her hand across to give Jo’s hand a squeeze. Jo offered to help clear the table and dashed off to the kitchen for a trolley that she had seen Anna wheel in earlier. When she had finished with help from Tom, Jack suggested that they all go into the Saal. Rosli appeared at this stage and took Tom and Alice off to the playroom much to their obvious disgust.

Once everyone was seated there Jo eyed them all suspiciously. “What’s up? Aren’t you and Jem going into the san Jack?”

“We have something to show you Jo,” Jack said indicating Len and Can who she now realised were holding something in their hands. Jo looked apprehensively at Jack who continued speaking. “You might have noticed that Con and I weren’t around yesterday.”

Jo nodded.

“Well we went over to the school and met with Felicity, Cecil, Phil and Claire. We explained to them what had happened to you.”

“Why didn’t you tell me what you were doing?” cried Jo.

“Jo we needed to tell them. Now that you are home there was the possibility that they would find out. It would have been much worse if it had happened purely by chance. Look how you met the some girls while you were out for a walk yesterday. It would have been awful if you had met one of your daughters whilst out on a walk and not recognised them,” Madge replied.

Jo was silent for a while. “How did they take it?” she finally asked.

“It shocked them,” Jack said frankly.

“Mamma, we were shocked too when we were first told what had happened. No one likes to hear that their mother doesn’t remember them any more. But once we saw you again we realised that it could have been much worse. You might have died and then we wouldn’t have had you at all,” said Con hastily seeing her mother starting to look upset.

“Yes we would rather have you around.” added Len.

Jo smiled weakly at both girls. “I think I am very lucky to have the two of you. So when do I get to meet the others.”

“After I told them yesterday we all went round to Len’s and the girls produced these for you,” said Jack smiling at his wife. “It was all their idea and they spent most of the day working on them. They would like to come and see you this afternoon if that is alright by you?”
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 12 Jul 2009, 03:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 11/07)
I'm sure Jo will love the albums. It sounds like she's wanting to move forward. Can understand why hse's wanting to see her friends. Hope the visit with the younger ones go well
Author:  Alison H [ 12 Jul 2009, 08:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/07)
Hope it goes OK. Feeling very sorry for Jack.
Author:  di [ 12 Jul 2009, 08:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/07)
Echo Alison H and Fiona Mc. re meeting with the younger girls. I hope we get a peep at the photo albums with Jo.

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Lesley [ 12 Jul 2009, 08:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/07)
Seems as though Jo has made a decision about moving on - hope the albums help her to fill in the missing thirty years of her life.


Thanks jmc
Author:  shazwales [ 12 Jul 2009, 09:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/07)
Thanks jmc, keeping my fingers crossed that this goes well.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 12 Jul 2009, 15:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/07)
Hopefully the albums will help Joey and she will start to bond with the younger children too. Keeping my fingers crossed for them all!

Also wondering why Jack was looking more depressed than usual when he came out of his office...

Thankyou!
Author:  M [ 12 Jul 2009, 16:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/07)
I wonder what Jo would feel if she saw Simone, Frieda and Marie again as they were part of her day to day life when she was 18.
Author:  SMG [ 12 Jul 2009, 20:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/07)
Thank you, jmc.
It's a v thought provoking drabble.. especially as it skilfully takes all our 'moans ' about Joey as a mother and her over -involvement at the school and turns them upside down.
Author:  jmc [ 13 Jul 2009, 02:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 12/07)
Back at work today after two weeks holiday :cry:
Jo spent the morning alternating between tears and laughter. The albums had obviously been put together with a great deal of love and care and taught her so much about her family. She cried both out of happiness and sadness. Happiness that her family seemed so lovely and that they cared enough to do this for her but sadness that she didn’t remember their lives. She loved the anecdotes in the albums and they really bought the children to life for her. She spent a bit of time going over which girl was was so that at least she would know their names when they came. Jack’s little album was flicked through but put aside for more private reading.

When Jo read Tom’s letter she howled with laughter and then dashed of leaving everyone else wondering what she was up to. Len who followed saw her asking Anna for something. It was only when she saw Anna hand Jo a large block of chocolate that she realised what her mother was up to. After saying thank you to Anna she then went upstairs with Len trailing behind her protesting. Once in the playroom Jo broke off a couple of bits of chocolate and gave Tom and Alice a piece each.

“Thanks for a lovely letter Tom and Alice your drawing was beautiful,” she said. Then she turned to Len and with a wicked grin said, “What’s the point of having grandchildren if I can’t spoil them. I’ll make sure Tom gets some chocolate every time I see him now.”

Jo and Len left the children happily munching on their chocolate and made their way back downstairs. Madge was looking at the albums and was telling Jem that she wished that she had something similar and that maybe they could ask the their kids to make some for them.

“Jack the girls are coming over this afternoon but what about the boys?” Jo asked. “Do they know yet.?”

“Dick went and saw Geoff and Felix at their school yesterday. They were upset naturally and Geoff in particular wanted to come home immediately. He’s talked the boys into staying for the moment and their headmaster will keep an eye on them. Dick hasn’t managed to see Charles and Stephen yet but both he and I have had lengthy phone calls with them. They are coming over as soon as they can but it won’t be for a few weeks. Mike’s ship is in port and Dick had arranged to meet with him this afternoon. Not sure when he will be able to wangle some leave though.”

“What about all the wards and such?”

“Daisy and Prim know. We’ll be talking to the others when we can.”

“Yes where is Daisy? Someone said that she works part time at the san but I haven’t seen her at all.”

“She’s been trying to give you some space. She’ll come over anytime you want.”

“Jack I’m scared about this afternoon. What am I going to say to them?” asked Jo anxiously.

“Just be yourself and try to get to know your daughters again.”

At the school four girls were finding it difficult to concentrate. All four were remarkably inattentive in class as they pondered over the coming meeting. Their mistresses had all been spoken to by Nancy though and let them get away with things that would have amazed them if they knew.

“Flick you have to pay more attention,” said Lucy at break. “The others are all wondering what’s come over you.”

“I can’t Lucy. I’m so worried about going to see Mamma this afternoon. Not so much for myself but for Phil and Claire. They’re still so young.”

Lucy looked over at her friend. She might say that was worried for Phil and Claire’s sake but as they had basically grown up together she knew her friend better than that. She gave her arm a reassuring squeeze and pulled her toward the classroom. “Well come on there is only two more lessons before Mittagessen and after that you can go over.”

After they had finished eating the Maynard girls gathered at the Head’s study to tell her they were setting off. To their surprise their father was in there waiting for them. Felicity’s heart dropped when she thought that he had come to tell them that Jo didn’t want to see them, and she could tell from the expressions on the others faces that they all though the same thing. Phil had tears starting to well up in her eyes.

“Come on girls grab your things and let’s get going,” said Jack

“You mean we can go?” said Cecil.

“I have the car here. It’s still absolutely bucketing down and I thought you might not want to see your mother looking like drowned rats. But come on grab your coats and shoes. I’ll wait for you in the car.”
The drive to Freudesheim was short. Each girl was lost in their own thoughts. Jack looked at their anxious faces and felt sorry for them. He was sure that Jo would do her best but there was also a chance that things would not go well. He pulled to a stop in front of the steps and the girls slowly got out of the car. Phil and Claire were holding hands he noticed. He smiled at them to try and reassure them and then opened the front door.
Author:  shazwales [ 13 Jul 2009, 05:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/07)
Thanks jmc hope you had a nice relaxing holiday.
Author:  Lesley [ 13 Jul 2009, 05:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/07)
Glad the albums were so successful. Hope the visit is just as good - and at least the girls all seem to have a good relationship with each other.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Nightwing [ 13 Jul 2009, 06:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/07)
Just catching up on this - I loved the albums (what a great idea!) and I hope the girls' visit goes smoothly.
Author:  di [ 13 Jul 2009, 06:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/07)
Waiting in trepidation to find out how this meeting goes!
Thanks for keeping up the drabble even whilst on holiday. Hope it was restful. :)
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 13 Jul 2009, 07:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/07)
Glad Jo loved the albums. Hope the meeting goes well
Author:  Alison H [ 13 Jul 2009, 07:42 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/07)
Glad that the albums were OK, and hope it goes well with the younger girls.
Author:  MaryR [ 13 Jul 2009, 13:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/07)
I was so hoping the albums would jog Jo's memory a little. :cry:

I do hope both Jo and the children don't let nerves get the better of them, and that they can find some rapprochement.

Thanks, Jo
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 13 Jul 2009, 20:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/07)
Pleased that the albums worked well, but hoping the meeting doesn't go badly.

Thankyou :D
Author:  jmc [ 14 Jul 2009, 00:23 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 13/07)
While Jack had gone to get the girls Jo had paced back and forth. She was worried about how she would react to seeing them. She already felt that she had a good connection with Len and Con and hoped that this would carry on when she saw the others. She kept going to the front door and peering out into the gloom to see if Jack was back yet. She rejected all the efforts of everyone to try and get her to sit down and wait calmly. Thus it happened that just as Jack opened the front door Jo was in the hall behind.

First in walked a petite blond girl whom Jo recognised from photos as Felicity who was holding her head up high but was very pale. Jo knew that Felicity wanted to be a dancer and noticed that she almost glided as she walked. She was followed closely by Cecil, who was trying hard to look this was like any other time she came home. They were followed by Claire and Phil who shuffled in the door and looked as scared as Jo felt.

The girls stopped as they caught sight of their mother and stared at her. Jo returned their gaze steadfastly and then opened her arms and came towards and enveloped them all in a big hug. The four girls all hugged her back but first Phil and then Claire burst into tears. The next minute all of them were crying. Jo didn’t let go of them though but finally Jack suggested that they move into the Saal.

Jo sat down and the girls sat around her. No one seemed to know where to start. Jo looked at them all looking at her and then began to talk. “I wish I could take all of this back. I would never have wanted to hurt all of you. Thank you so much for all the work that you put in yesterday as I love your albums and I want to go through them with each of you individually.”

“Oh Mamma, please get better soon,” said Phil.

“I’m trying Phil. But just in case I don’t you will have to teach me everything about yourselves again. Just not too fast.”

“I’ll start.” start Cecil with a wicked look in her eyes. “I don’t eat peas. I get two pounds pocket money a week. Phil has to make my bed when I’m at home. You make Felicity do my maths homework when she can because I am so bad at it. And you said that I could go to a Beetle concert with Ruey next summer.”

Claire who still hadn’t said anything started to giggle at Cecil’s talk. “Don’t listen to her Mamma. Cecil’s really good at maths while Flick no longer studies it as she was so bad at it.”

“Just like me then,” said Jo grinning at Felicity.

“Yeah Mamma,” said Felicity seeing Cecil’s plan. “Don’t pay any attention to her. It’s nearly all lies. We actually get three pounds a weeks and you said I could go to the concert not Cecil. Phil does have to make the beds though.”

“Do not,” said Phil indignantly. “We each make our own. But the boys try to get away without making them at all when they can. Geoff tried to tell me that because I was his twin and a girl that I should make his for him. Luckily you heard him and made him make my bed for a week. He’s never tried to get me to make it again.”

“Girls, I may have lost my memory but I haven’t lost my mind. And if I said any of you could go to a Beetles concert next summer you will have me tagging along as I have discovered that I love The Beetles.”

“You do?” gasped Felicity.”But when Mike was home last time he bought a Beetles record with him and you told him it was awful and that you never wanted to hear it again.”

“Well I like them now. I drove your Aunt mad yesterday playing them,” said Jo laughing. Then suddenly serious said “I don’t think I will ever again be the mother you remember, even if I get my memory back. Now who wants to show me their album.”

With the ice now broken everyone was more relaxed. The albums were brought over and time was spent with each girls going over what they had put in them. Jo cried a bit when Phil told her how she had found it hard to keep up with everyone when she was smaller and how it had frustrated her when she wasn’t allowed to do the things that the others took for granted. Felicity told her how disappointed she had been not to get into the royal Ballet this year.

"If we had lived closer to a city it might have been easier to practise more but I have been working hard all year and hope to live in London next year and then I will try out again,” she said her voice full of determination.

Claire talked about how much she missed Erica and how she wished she would come to Switzerland more often. “You know she’s getting married soon Mamma and she has said that I can go and stay with her during the summer holidays next year.”

Jo looked over at Jack quickly after this statement not quite sure what to believe after the earlier conversation but he nodded his head quickly.

Cecil had been quiet while the others were talking. She was extremely
clever but as yet had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. She had found it quite difficult at times growing up sandwiched between two sets of twins. And when Phil had been so sick she felt at times that she had been kind of ignored. She felt that she could relate to this mother more easily than the mother that she had always known though. This mother wanted to know about them and their lives and seemed like she would take the time to do this. Cecil felt a bit guilty for being sort of glad that this had happened to her mother.

“So what about you Cecil? What can you tell me?”

“Uh…..I don’t know,” she stammered as she was jolted out of her thoughts by Jo’s question. “I get good grades in just about everything but I don’t really know what I want to do yet.”

They were interrupted at this point by Len wheeling in the trolley with tea and coffee. Coming in behind her carefully holding a plate was Tom which he started to offer round to everyone. Jo declined when he came to her but was told that she had to have one cause Anna had baked ‘em special. Unable to come up with a defence against this order Jo meekly took one and bit into it. She was glad that she did as they were a delicious lemon flavour.

Jack was pleased with the way Jo and the girls had interacted so he
put forth a suggestion that he had talked over with both Anna, because it would mean a lot of extra work for her, and Nancy before he had picked up the girls. “How would you like to stay for a couple of days and not go back to school. Miss Wilmot has said that you can quite easily stay for a couple of days and that she could send over any really important work for you. That way you could all really get to know each other again. Len also has time off and Con has to leave in a couple of days. If the weather clears up maybe you could go on a picnic.”
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 14 Jul 2009, 00:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
I'm really glad that visit went so well. And I wondered if any of them will prefer new Joey to old Joey. I think all the kids will be in for a few shocks and glad they did tey to play a few practical jokes. Thanks. Have always wanted to see how young Joey would see herself as she was by the end of the books and you've captured her perfectly
Author:  keren [ 14 Jul 2009, 05:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
funny with the lemon biscuits!!

clever story
Author:  Lesley [ 14 Jul 2009, 05:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
Oh that was lovely - so pleased that Cecil then Felicity tried to play tricks and what a surprise to the girls when they discovered that Joey now liked the Beetles! :lol:


Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 14 Jul 2009, 06:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
Yeh, a picnic to the 'echo place' I can't remember the proper name. :lol: Perhaps that will jolt Jo's memory!
Poor Cecil; the odd one out, I hope Jo takes special notice of her.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Liz K [ 14 Jul 2009, 07:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
di wrote:
Yeh, a picnic to the 'echo place' I can't remember the proper name. :lol: Perhaps that will jolt Jo's memory!


The Auberge?
Author:  Alison H [ 14 Jul 2009, 07:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
This is fascinating.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 14 Jul 2009, 08:03 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
Pleased that it went so well, and I hope that they continue to bond.

Thankyou, this is wonderful.
Author:  JS [ 14 Jul 2009, 09:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
This is great, jmc - wonder if Joey would like the Rolling Stones as well as the Beatles, or if that would be a step too far :)
Author:  JB [ 14 Jul 2009, 10:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
Quote:
“Girls, I may have lost my memory but I haven’t lost my mind.


:lol: :lol: :lol:

I do like Joey, here. I love the way you've captured those aspects of Joey which were lost over the years.

The girls handled that so well. Cecil's lovely.
Author:  jmc [ 14 Jul 2009, 10:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
JS wrote:
wonder if Joey would like the Rolling Stones as well as the Beatles, or if that would be a step too far :)


Funny you should say that. I was actually going to put it in an earlier post but hen changed the direction of that post entirely. But I hadn't forgotten about it. :D
Author:  Luisa [ 14 Jul 2009, 12:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
I wonder whether Jack will begin to prefer this Joey as well?
Love it.
Author:  leahbelle [ 14 Jul 2009, 13:11 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
I'm glad the meeting went so well.
Author:  jmc [ 15 Jul 2009, 03:09 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 14/07)
Jo looked at Jack. She knew the afternoon had gone well but would have like a little time to take it all in. Meeting the four girls and trying to be friendly and happy and to remember everything they told her so they wouldn’t get upset had been very tiring. It was lovely that Jack was trying to bring his family back together and made her start to feel closer to him but at the same time she wished that he had asked her about this. However, there was nothing that could be done now. She would just have to make the best of it.

She looked around the room. Everyone seemed very happy about jack’s proposal. Phil and Claire were talking about what food they could take on the picnic. Tom had rushed to get his coat and told everyone that he knew the way and could they go now. Jack was talking with Jem and Madge while Felicity, who was not so pale anymore, was discussing where they could go with Len and Con. Only Cecil seemed to be by herself. Jo saw her standing there just watching everyone else.

“We never got to finish our chat,” she said walking up to Cecil. “You were saying that you didn’t really know what you wanted to do.”
“I don’t. I want to do something that’s just me. But I don’t know what this is yet. Every time I think of something, there is someone else in the family who is already doing that. The problem of having so many brothers, sisters and cousins,” replied Cecil.

“Does it really matter if you do the same thing as everyone else as long as you are happy?”

“I guess not. I just wish I had someone I could talk to.”

“Well what’s wrong with me?”

“You’re always too busy,” said Cecil without really thinking. Then she went bright red as she realised what she had said.

“I seem to find myself with a lot of spare time on my hands at the moment. Hang on a sec.” Jo then told the others that Cecil wanted to show her something in the study and went there with her fifth daughter. “Ok now we can talk without the others listening in.”

Cecil looked at Jo not quite sure where to start. She sounded much more like one her friends than her mother. Jo saw Cecil looking at her and guessed that she was finding it difficult. So she decided to start.

“Look I already have the impression from thing other people have said that maybe I was fairly involved in the school and I guess with so many people around here it might have been difficult at times to talk to me. But I’m here now and ready to listen to you.”

Suddenly it all burst out. “I felt alone much of the time while growing up. The triplets were so much older than me and they were always at school though in the holidays you were always asking Len or Con to look after us. But they often had one of their friends over. The boys were at school too and when home they didn’t want that much to do with me. They were off on their own pursuits. Flick and Felix only ever needed each other and it was much the same with Geoff and Phil. And Phil, as you know, was so sick so you and Papa were always so worried about her. Claire always had Erica fussing over her while I always seemed to be left by myself. You were also so busy writing your books or over at the school and Papa was always at the san. I felt at times like Anna and Rosli were more like my mother.” Cecil stopped here and then burst into tears.

Jo looked at her daughter shaken. She just didn’t know what to say. She had been worried that she was a bad mother and now there seemed to be confirmation that she had been. But first she wanted to stop Cecil crying. She drew her close. When she felt her mother’s arms go around her Cecil spoke again.

“I’m sorry Mamma,” she said trying to stifle her sobs. “I never meant to say all that. I do love you and don’t want to upset you.”

“It’s Ok. I’m glad you felt you could be honest with me. Cecil, I want to promise you now that I will always be there for you from now on. Whether I get my memory back or not I don’t think I can totally go back to the old life that I had. I want to be involved in your life.”

The two chatted for a while longer and then Jo sent Cecil upstairs quickly to wash her face so the others would not know she had been crying. Jo sat in the study alone and resolved that even if she got her memory back her life would be different.
Author:  di [ 15 Jul 2009, 06:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/07)
Well done, Cecil. I'm sure that Jo was already beginning to realise that she, perhaps, spent too much time at the school or writing or visiting, but Cecil certainly brought it home to her that her Mamma wasn't around for her whilst she was growing up. It sounds that Jo is going to change much in her life especially around the children.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Lesley [ 15 Jul 2009, 06:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/07)
How terrible for Jo to discover that at least one of her children was unhappy and did not feel she had had a good childhood.


In a way Joey has been given a chance to change her life.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ 15 Jul 2009, 07:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/07)
In a strange way this could turn out to be a positive thing for Joey.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 15 Jul 2009, 08:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/07)
Joey was lovely there with Cecil. It is one of the hardest things in such a large family to know where you fit in and to find who your special some one is in the group. Hope Joey and Cecil can grow closer now
Author:  JB [ 15 Jul 2009, 09:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/07)
Jo handled that beautifully.
Author:  Luisa [ 15 Jul 2009, 12:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/07)
I get the feeling that she might actually be quite a good mother this time round.
Really good - thank you
Author:  JellySheep [ 15 Jul 2009, 16:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/07)
This is a compelling and thought-provoking story, and I like how often it is updated too! I'm not sure whether to wish that Joey gets her memory back, as I'm always slightly wary of happy endings, though even if she does she will still have a fair amount of re-adjustment to do.
Author:  Helen P [ 15 Jul 2009, 18:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/07)
Well done Jo! I always liked the 18 year old Jo far more than the proud-mamma-of-eleven and this in a way is just lovely - she is being a more understanding mother now than she was able to be before.

I think I am hoping at the moment that her memory doesn't return, but that seems rather mean!

I'm absolutely loving this drabble, and look eagerly for the new update every morning. Thank you jmc! :D
Author:  jmc [ 16 Jul 2009, 03:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 15/07)
Sorry it's only short today. The start of the new term has been hectic and I have had very little free time. somehow I have been conned into doing back stage the rock Eisteddfod

Jo was still in shock with Cecil’s revelations, her head had started to ache with the stress of the day and she wanted nothing more than to have some time alone to sort out her emotions. But with a houseful of guests, who were doing their best to help her, she knew this would be impossible. She would just have to grin and bear it. Hopefully the rain would stop and they would be able to get outside.

Cecil came back to the study and smiled at her mother a bit nervously but Jo grabbed her and the two of then went arm in arm back to the Saal to find that all the furniture had been cleared to one side of the room. The rugs had also been rolled up and Tom and Alice were practically dancing with excitement. Upon their return Jack smiled at Jo and although she smiled back she seemed more subdued than when she had left the room and the smile didn’t extend to her eyes.

“Mamma, we thought we would play one of our favourite games from when we were kids,” said Len.”You would play this with us on special occasions. Tom told us about some old mats that he found in the attic so we grabbed them and bought them down here. Luckily they weren’t too dusty.”

Madge and Jem both declined to play saying they were too old. Jem said that he would be the judge and promptly plonked himself down in a chair at one end of the room. Jack tried to protest that this was his job as it was his house but Len and Con both pressured him into participating by saying that he didn’t want to look like a wimp in front of his grandchildren. So the first race saw Jack and Con against each other. Despite Jack trying to sabotage Con by trying to get Tom, who refused, to stand on the back of her mat she won against her father easily as he seemed unable to manoeuvre much.

The next race was Tom and Alice. Tom was confident that he would win as Alice was just a little girl but she simply flew past him as he fell of his mat because he was trying to hard. He looked like he was going to have a tantrum at first but Len took him aside quickly and had a quick word to him. Phil lost to Claire and Len lost to Cecil. When it was time for the finals it was Cecil against Felicity. Jo had lost to Len as she found that it wasn’t as easy as it looked and that her body didn’t seem as supple as she remembered. Cecil in the end beat Felicity although it was close.

All six of the Maynard girls then got into a huddle and when they broke apart it was to announce a new race. Jack versus Jo. They wanted to know who the best out of their parents. Both of them protested that they had already raced but it was to no avail. They found themselves being pushed towards the mats and then Madge quickly called for them to start. The noise they made was quite horrendous as no one seemed to know who to cheer for so they settled for cheering first for Jo and then for Jack. As they neared the finish line Jack and Jo looked at each other and then Jo nodded as she guessed what Jack was thinking and they both crossed the finish line at the same time. They both got off their mats, stood up slowly and then collapsed into chairs at the side of the room. They were swarmed by everyone else as they all demanded a rematch but both refused to budge.

As the noise quietened down Jo found that her headache had almost gone relieved by the fun she had just had although, she was very tired. Rosli came in to collect the children so they could clean up before dinner and Jo decided to follow them. She went to her room to change as well for despite Len saying it was lucky the mats weren’t too dusty she found that she was filthy. After getting changed she lay on the bed for a quick rest. Len coming up to found out where she was as, she hadn’t appeared for dinner, found her fast asleep. She simply pulled up the covers, gave her mother a quick kiss on the forehead and left her to her slumbers.
Author:  Lesley [ 16 Jul 2009, 05:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/07)
Ah that's lovely - especially the comment about
Quote:
Jo had lost to Len as she found that it wasn’t as easy as it looked and that her body didn’t seem as supple as she remembered.


Yes, been there! :lol:

And this
Quote:
As they neared the finish line Jack and Jo looked at each other and then Jo nodded as she guessed what Jack was thinking and they both crossed the finish line at the same time.
is very encouraging.


Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 16 Jul 2009, 06:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/07)
A little light relief amidst the anxiety surrounding the family. Love the description of Tom losing to Alice and Jack and Jo reading each others' mind to arrive at the finish line together.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ 16 Jul 2009, 07:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/07)
That went well :D .
Author:  JS [ 16 Jul 2009, 08:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/07)
She and Jack seem to be developing a partnership at least. Thanks jmc.
Author:  brie [ 16 Jul 2009, 08:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/07)
Thanks.

Have just read this straight through, and I'm really enjoying it.

Brie
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 16 Jul 2009, 09:48 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/07)
Pleased to see that Jack and Jo seem to be learning to love each other again. Hope all the good things continue!

Thankyou :)
Author:  JB [ 16 Jul 2009, 10:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/07)
Thanks. Great to see Jack and Joey getting closer.
Author:  shazwales [ 16 Jul 2009, 11:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/07)
Thanks jmc, really enjoying this.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 16 Jul 2009, 11:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/07)
Thanks, that was wonderful. Glad Joey and Jack seem to be getting closer
Author:  Pat [ 16 Jul 2009, 18:31 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/07)
Slidey mat racing at Jo's age is fun, but I know from personal experience that you have no chance against younger people!!!!

Glad she could read Jack's mind like that. A really good sign that she knew what he was thinking - like saying the same thing at the same time.
Author:  jmc [ 16 Jul 2009, 22:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 16/07)
When Jo awoke the next morning her room was still quite dark. She got out of bed and opened the window hoping to see that it had stopped raining. As she looked out of the window she saw slivers of light starting to appear in the sky. She continued to watch as the sun came up over the mountains enthralled by the beautiful sight. As the sun rose higher she gradually became aware that the room was cold and that she was starting to shiver.

“Madge will be furious if I get sick again,” she thought as she closed the window. “Especially if it was because of my own stupidity.”

Jo was thankful that it looked like being a fine day. She wanted to get out of the house. Maybe they could go on one of the picnics that had been talked about yesterday. Jo went to get dressed for the day but suddenly realised that she still had on the clothes that she had put on the night before, although they were considerably more wrinkled now. She also realised that she was very hungry. She got changed quickly and then went downstairs quietly. No one seemed to be around. She went into the kitchen and quickly made and ate a sandwich and then went to the front door and pulled on a coat. She opened the front door and was about to slip out when she was startled by a voice behind her.

“And where are you off to at this hour?”

Jo turned around guiltily and saw Jack smiling at her. At her expression he let out a laugh.

“You have the same expression on your face as when you used to get in trouble,” he said.

“I thought I was. I keep forgetting that I am completely grown up now and can do what I want.”

“Are you going for a walk? May I join you?”

Jo, who had been hoping to go alone so she could sort through yesterdays events, felt she could do nothing but say yes. So Jack pulled on his coat and set out beside her. They walked side by side with near of them saying a word until Jo stumbled. Jack caught her arm and steadied her but quickly let go again.

“Thank you,” was all she said.

They continued their walk in silence. Both were longing to say something to the other but neither of them knew where to start. Jo was starting to feel more and more comfortable around her husband. It had been strange yesterday when they had been racing each other and then she had looked at him and had known exactly what he was thinking. She glanced at him and he appeared to be more relaxed than she had seen him since she had first woken up in the san.

Jack for his part was happy to be alone with Jo. He had sensed yesterday that she had at times felt overwhelmed and Cecil had confessed to him last night what had happened in the study. He had been upset with Cecil to begin with but after a long talk had pulled her close and promised that he also would try to be there for her more. He had decided that he wouldn’t mention it to Jo But would wait until she bought it up. At the present moment he was just happy to walk alongside her. He wanted to slip his hand inside hers but didn’t know how she would react so he stuck them in his pockets instead.

They got back to Freudesheim without either of them saying a word. When they got back inside Jack took Jo’s coat off for her and hung it up. They then made their way to the kitchen in search of coffee. Arriving there they found that Anna was up and it was clear that she wasn’t in a good mood.

“Look at this. Someone has been up in the night. Look at the mess they have made. I don’t mind if someone makes themselves a snack if they clean up after themselves,” said Anna indicating the bread and crumbs that Jo had left all over the table. A dirty butter knife had been left on the table and there was a hunk of cheese sitting there as well.”

“I’m sorry Anna. I’ll clean it up now. I woke up early and was hungry as I didn’t have dinner last night. Then I went for a walk with Jack,” said Jo meekly. She was a bit scared by the ferocious scowl on Anna’s face.

Anna’s face cleared at Jo’s confession and she said good morning to both of them. Jo quickly cleaned up the mess she had made and set about making some coffee. Jo and Jack had a quiet breakfast together and were just finishing when Madge and Jem came down. All of the girls seemed to be making the most of their unexpected holiday to have a sleep in. Jack apologised to Jo and said that he had to go into the san today as he had a lot of work to catch up on but he promised to be home early.

“Have fun with the girls today. Maybe you will get to know the mystery of the Auberge,” was his final statement as he walked out the door with Jem.

Although intrigued Jo thought she had enough mysteries in her own life.
Author:  Lesley [ 16 Jul 2009, 23:11 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/07)
Oh lovely - I get to see this before the 17th! The joys of different time lines :lol:


Joey and Jack are definitely feeling more comfortable with each other - so pleased that Jack is taking it slowly. Love Joey's guilty expression - and her apology to Anna.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 16 Jul 2009, 23:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/07)
Lesley wrote:
Joey and Jack are definitely feeling more comfortable with each other - so pleased that Jack is taking it slowly. Love Joey's guilty expression - and her apology to Anna.


So do I. Really hope Joey and Jack are able to keep going in the direction they appear to be heading and I hope Joey does get the space to sort out how she's feeling about everything. Any chance Frieda will be able to visit? I'm sure Joey would love to see a friend she remembers
Author:  di [ 17 Jul 2009, 06:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/07)
'The Auberge'!!! Of course, that's where the echoes are. I hope the fence is in good repair :lol:
It must be strange for both Jo and Jack for obvious but different reasons; I hope that Jack does keep taking things slowly as it seems Jo is becoming more relaxed around him and it would be so sad if he now tried to move things forward to a more intimate level when she's not quite ready.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ 17 Jul 2009, 07:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/07)
Glad that Jo seems more comfortable around Jack - and glad to see her apologising to Anna :lol: .
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 17 Jul 2009, 08:48 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/07)
I wonder if meeting Matey would help Jo, she was always a favourite there.

Thanks, can't wait to see what happens next, I just hope Jo and Jack keep getting along.
Author:  JB [ 17 Jul 2009, 09:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/07)
I bet Matey could help Jo more than even Hilda and Nell.

Lovely update, thanks.
Author:  JS [ 17 Jul 2009, 09:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/07)
So funny to think of Jo being shown the secret of the Auberge, when she's delightedly shown it off to so many. Thanks jmc.
Author:  MaryR [ 17 Jul 2009, 12:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/07)
Who knows? The echoes might just do the job where other things haven't.

Poor Jack must be feeling "so near yet so far". But I can sympathise with Joey's need for quiet and calm to think about things and try to restore order to her poor addled brain.

Thanks, Jmc
Author:  abbeygirl [ 17 Jul 2009, 14:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/07)
Just read through this in one fell swoop. Really enjoyed this. Thank You!
Author:  Luisa [ 17 Jul 2009, 16:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/07)
Another one who would like to add Matey to the mix.
Really enjoying the new Jo.
Author:  jmc [ 18 Jul 2009, 04:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 17/07)
Thanks for the comments. For those of you wanting Matey to help Jo I think that could be a bit difficult as she happens to be dead. Page 4. Jo still does not know though.

By the time all the girls had woken up and made their way downstairs it was ten o’clock. Jo hungry again had a second breakfast with them. Everyone chatted easily and there was talk about the mysterious Auberge again. It appeared it was a favourite walk of the family and Con said that Len was going to keep Tom home today so he could come with them.

“He would be very upset if he was left out,” she explained. “It’s his favourite place in the whole wide world. We’ll stop by their place and pick them up on the way through.”

“Mamma,” said Felicity. “I didn’t get the chance to tell you yesterday but I really like your new haircut. It must save you heaps if time.”

The other girls all voiced their own agreements.

“It makes you look so much younger,” said Phil. “Not that you looked old before though,” she added hastily.

It’s what I had when I was about your age,” said Jo realising for the first time that Felicity was roughly the same age as she still thought herself to be half the time.

“Well it suits you,” said Claire grinning.

After the girls had finished their breakfast they cleared the table and took their dirty dishes to the kitchen. They started to wash the dishes but Anna came in and shooed them away telling them to go and enjoy themselves with their mother. So they then dashed upstairs to get changed. Coming back down the put on their coats and picked up the waiting rucksacks which contained their picnic and set off. Madge left with them although she was going to spend the day with Hilda and Nell.

The girls walked gaily down the road. They picked up Len, Tom and Alice and continued on their way. Jo realised that she felt very comfortable around them. They somehow felt right even though the only things she knew about them was what she had been told. It was the same with Jack although she was still a bit scared to go down that road.

“Grandma I was talking to you and you weren’t listening.”

Jo suddenly realised that Tom had been talking to her. “Sorry I was thinking. What was that you said Tom?”

“Mummy let me have the day off so I could come. And look what I bought with me. It’s new,” he said holding up a shiny whistle.

“It’s lovely Tom. Can I have a go on it?”

“Not yet. You have to wait. Then you’re going to get a big surprise”

Jo found the walk itself was quite easy. They passed between some rocky walls which suddenly opened out on one side to a spectacular view of a valley with mountain peaks clearly visible behind wisps of clouds at the far end.

“Oh we’re lucky it’s so clear today,” said Len. “In summer the heat often creates a haze so nothing looks very clear. This time of year is the best to see it really.”

Jo didn’t say anything as she was too busy taking in the sight of the mountains. They were magnificent. Eventually Tom and Alice bored with just looking started pulling at her hands.

“Come on Grandma, come on,” they said. “It’s much more fun further up.”

So the party set off once again. Jo was wondering furiously to herself what could be so special about this place where they were going. Everyone seemed to be making such a big deal about it. Tom looked like he was literally going to burst with the secret but he had obviously been well warned to say nothing.

Jo noticed that Cecil was fairly quiet so she grabbed her arm and asked her to walk with her. “You’re not still worrying about what you said last night are you?” she asked in a low voice. “Because if you are you should forget about it. If anyone has anything to apologise for it sounds as if it should be me. But as I can’t remember how about we try for a fresh start?”

Cecil looked relieved after this speech and after nodding her agreement started to point out the sights to Jo with more animation in her voice. The walk continued with Tom and Alice growing more and more excited as they drew closer to their destination. After Alice skipped to close to the edge of the path Len stopped the pair of them and told them to stop running or she would take them home right now.

Seeing Jo looking at her she said,“I have to be like this. The pair of them are likely to do anything otherwise. I’ve been on enough rambles where there have been accidents to want to go on any more.”

Con agreed with this statement and Felicity chipped in with an incident about a group of middles who had got lost in a storm just the term before. Cecil then took a hand in events.

“You weren’t exactly quiet at school Mamma. We have all been told about all the incidents that revolved round you at school. For example rescuing Auntie Rob from the man in the caves.”

“And running off to climb some mountain to rescue Auntie Grizel,” chimed in Phil.

“And what about saving Elisaveta,” was Len’s contribution.

“And…..” this was all that Cecil managed to get out.

“If you keep going on this could take a while. I see what you mean though. I promise that I will behave myself today,” Jo said laughing.

At this point they arrived at a long low building that was tucked under the slope of the mountain. In the flat area where the shelf broadened out there was a courtyard that had a trestle tables and there was a fence with wooden railings around it.

“This is the Auberge,” Len announced.

Looking around Jo thought that although it was a picturesque spot to have a drink and a rest there seemed to be nothing very mysterious about it. She followed everyone else to the railings on one side and then looked on in astonishment as Con opened her mouth and began to sing. Her words came back to her muted but sounding like a fairy voice. It continued getting softer and softer until it eventually faded away.

Tom cried, “My turn! My turn,” But as he pulled his whistle out of his pocket he tripped after and the whistle bounced under the fence and started to roll down the side of the mountain. Tom immediately crawled under the bottom railing and began to reach after his whistle.
Author:  Lesley [ 18 Jul 2009, 05:48 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/07)
Oh no, bad Tom! Hope Jo can reach him in time! :shock:

I missed the bit about Matey - so sad - may we learn more about that soon?


Thanks jmc
Author:  shazwales [ 18 Jul 2009, 06:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/07)
It seems that she might have lost her memory but things still happen when she's around.

Thanks jmc
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 18 Jul 2009, 06:42 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/07)
Thanks, I'm glad Joey is feeling comfortable with the kids. I guess a work isn't the same without an incident or two to liven it up.

I am sad about Matey
Author:  Alison H [ 18 Jul 2009, 08:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/07)
She always did attract adventures!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 18 Jul 2009, 08:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/07)
That could make things difficult, then, yes. Sorry!

Maybe this will be what brings Jo's memory back, then at least something good would have come of it. *crosses fingers*
Author:  di [ 18 Jul 2009, 09:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/07)
Naughty Tom! If Jo goes after him, perhaps she'll hit her head and all her memory will come flooding back :?:
thanks, jmc.
Author:  JB [ 18 Jul 2009, 09:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/07)
I wasn't expecting that. Almost spilled cofee over the keyboard. I suppose I should have known that they'd be adding another legend to the Auberge.

Please don't leave Tom on the side of the mountain for too long.
Author:  Helen P [ 18 Jul 2009, 10:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/07)
Eeek! A cliff! A literal cliff, and so unexpected I nearly fell off the edge after Tom!

*Holds on tight and waits (im)patiently for the next instalment*

I'm so enjoying this, thank you!
Author:  JS [ 18 Jul 2009, 12:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/07)
Don't leave us (and Tom and Jo!) hanging too long, jmc...
Author:  brie [ 18 Jul 2009, 21:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/07)
Eeek a cliff!
Author:  jmc [ 18 Jul 2009, 23:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 18/07)
Madge was enjoying her free time with Hilda and Nell. It was nice to be away from Freudesheim for a little while. She realised that she was quite tired. She missed the sister that she knew now. She might live in Australia and she was often frustrated by Jo’s involvement with the school and her refusal to grow up but that was who Jo was. It saddened her to see her sister struggling in this way and it was draining in many ways being around Jo as you had to be so careful about what you said much of the time so she was glad of the chance to get away.

Life on the Platz was also so different to what Madge was used to. In Australia Madge had a very busy life, but here apart from visiting various people when she wasn’t with Jo she didn’t have much else to do. Freudesheim ran itself and most other people were busy with their own lives. Len taught part time as did both Biddy and Hilary now that their children were growing up. She might own the school but really had very little to do with the running of it as that was left to the head. There was a team of people in place to move the school so Madge found time hanging heavily on hands at times.

Madge filled both Hilda and Nell in on the meeting with Jo’s girls and about how well Jo was coping under the circumstances. “She seems to have taken well to the girls and they are doing all they can to help her. You should see the albums that they produced for her. I’m going home to ask my kids to make something like that for me.”

“I was speaking to Nancy yesterday,” said Hilda. “She said that a couple of the staff were saying that they missed Jo popping in.”

“That reminds me. Jo has been asking about her involvement in the school. She seems to realise that she has spent rather a lot of time over there. This is horrible of me to ask you this but once the school moved away from Wales I was never quite as involved again. So could one of you possibly talk to her? ”

Hilda and Nell glanced at each other. “We’d be glad to help,” Nell said slowly. “We have discussed this and have come to the conclusion that it is partly our fault that she is so involved. Sometimes it seemed easier to ask Jo to solve our problems. We thought having someone who was not a mistress might help the girls more.”

“Especially in the early days when many of the girls were ones she had been to school with or who knew her through friends or family,” Hilda continued. “We also turned to her at times when we need help to cover classes. Then when we came to Switzerland she was just next door so it continued. There have been times when we felt that we could have handled the situation but we didn’t want to hurt Jo’s feelings.”

“Con’s going home in a couple of days and the girls should be back at school by them so are you able to talk to her then?” asked Madge.

“Anywhere and anytime. We owe Jo an awful lot and she has always been there for us. I wish Gwynneth was still around though,” said Nell sadly. “She always adored Jo and would have been happy to talk to her with us.”

“I can’t believe that it has been almost two years since she died. By the way Jo doesn’t know about Matey yet,” said Madge. “I told her about Therese and she knows about the people who died during the war but there are lots of others she doesn’t know about yet.”

“The school still misses Matey although Barbara keeps everyone on the straight and narrow. She might be more easy going but they girls don’t want to put a foot wrong with her,” said Hilda. “When Gwynneth had her first heart attack three years ago and we knew that she would never work again Barbara came to see me. She was worried about how she would be able to take over but she’s never looked back.”

“How’s Jack coping?” asked Nell

“He’s finding it difficult. I think he and Jo have made some progress but he’s trying to take things as slowly as he can so not to scare her. They went for an early walk together this morning. Oh by the way Anna apparently told Jo off this morning for leaving a mess in the kitchen. I wish I had been there to see it.”

“Oh so do I,” laughed Hilda.

The rest of the visit was spent discussing their plans for Hilda and Nell’s upcoming visit to Australia. They planned to go and see the new Opera House which was being built in Sydney and go on the ferries across Sydney Harbour. Nell also wanted to do and see the Great Barrier Reef as well as Ayers Rock. She confessed that she was fascinated by how diverse a country Australia was.

“There are rainforests, spectacular beaches, deserts and snowfields all in the one county.”

“Well don’t expect snow like here,” warned Madge. “The mountain ranges are all quite low and some years there is little snow. By the way you do realise that Australia is a very large country and it is not easy to access many areas don’t you.”

“Of course I do. Remember I did teach geography. Just as well we are retired and have lots of time up our sleeves.”

Edited to correct the spelling of Matey's name
Author:  Alison H [ 19 Jul 2009, 05:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/07)
Good to hear about Hilda and Nell's plans, but what about Joey and Tom?!!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 19 Jul 2009, 06:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/07)
Alison H wrote:
Good to hear about Hilda and Nell's plans, but what about Joey and Tom?!!


Exactly!!!! Thanks for the regular updates
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 19 Jul 2009, 08:26 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/07)
Tom! What's happening to you?

Nice to see Hilda and Nell in this, though.
Author:  Lesley [ 19 Jul 2009, 08:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/07)
Thanks jmc, sad to hear about Matey. How apt that Hilda and Nell should be so interested in Australia... :wink:
Author:  JB [ 19 Jul 2009, 09:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/07)
Thanks for the update but do we have to spend the rest of the weekend clinging to the cliff edge? :(
Author:  MaryR [ 19 Jul 2009, 09:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/07)
Loved Nell's withering comment about being a geography teacher - can't resist, can she? And filled with curiosity as always.... :D

As Hilda says, they could so easily have sorted the girls' problems themselves. EBD's making Jo solve them all really used to annoy me, when she described a Hilda who was so perceptive and sensitive.

Thanks, jmc - despite your allowing us to hover over that cliff edge indefinitely. :twisted:
Author:  di [ 19 Jul 2009, 09:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/07)
A pleasant interlude. I hope they tell Jo about Matey's death sooner rather than later before one of the girls say something.
What about Tom? Is he still clinging on for dear life - and more importantly has anyone missed him yet? Please don't leave us worrying about his fate for too long, jmc :evil:
Thanks as always for the update.
Author:  Celia [ 19 Jul 2009, 11:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/07)
Am still following and enjoying this. Thanks for the regular updates jmc.
Author:  jmc [ 20 Jul 2009, 02:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 19/07)
I did write this bit before the last post but then I saw this:
Lesley wrote:
I missed the bit about Matey - so sad - may we learn more about that soon?

So I decided to be nice. Sorry if you were worried about Tom :devil:

Everyone quickly realised what Tom was doing and as one they all jumped forward. Jo, who happened to be closest, managed to grab his leg just as it seemed as though he would tumble down and dragged him back under the railing. She held his leg tightly even as he started crying as he saw his whistle now bouncing down the mountain. Jo pulled him up and hugged him close. Even in the short time she and known Tom she had come to love him dearly. Len came forward with a white face, took him from Jo and held him tight. Then she put him down and while brushing all the dust from his clothes proceeded to scold him soundly. Len wanted to take him back home immediately but Jo intervened.

“Let him be Len. He’s had a shock and he’s lost his whistle into the bargain,” she said pleadingly. “I want to spend this time with all of you. Con will be gone soon and the others will have to go back to school.”

“I don’t know. He really doesn’t deserve it,” replied Len. “Oh OK. But he is not allowed near the edge again and he can hold my hand the whole way down. Sometimes I think I need to put a rope on him to stop him wandering off.”

The pair of them then looked round at the others. Tom’s little trick had caused chaos. Felicity and Cecil had bumped heads and were sitting at a trestle table rubbing them. Claire and Phil had fallen over each other and were now covered in dirt which they were trying to brush off. Con had escaped but was now holding Alice who was crying with the shock of it all.

Len made Tom go and apologise to everyone for all the trouble that he had caused. Tom went round to everyone one by one and apologised with such a mournful expression on his face that they all felt that they had no choice but to forgive him. They might not have been so forgiving if they knew that he was more upset by losing his whistle than all the trouble that he had caused.

Len went inside to order some cool drinks for everyone taking Tom with her. Everyone else crowded back round the railings to try the echoes again. Cecil attempted a yodel but even that sounded magical when it came back. Con tickled Alice whom she was still holding and the giggles that she produced were enchanting to hear repeated over and over again. Everyone had their turn with pleasing results and then Phil begged her mother to sing. Jo opened her mouth and began to sing and the words were flung back at her sweet and pure.

“I wish you could have heard Tom’s whistle Mamma. Musical instruments sound fantastic,” said Phil.

“Well we will just have to come up again then won’t we and bring some up,” was Jo’s immediate response.

They all sat down in front of the large glasses of lemonade and pulled the sandwiches fruit and some slightly squashed cakes out of their rucksacks. Jo also pulled out quite a lot of chocolate.

“Gee Anna has sure gone has gone all out,” said Con as she eyed what seemed to be a mountain of food.”

“Well actually I made the sandwiches, said Jo. “I made them while I was waiting for you sleepyheads to all get up. You know I was beginning to think you might sleep all day.”

Everyone then started eyeing the sandwiches with a bit of suspicion. Jo noticed the looks and asked them what was wrong.

“Your sandwiches tend to be kind of umm… interesting would be the way I would put it. You tend to make them up as you go along,” replied Con

“I made these with Madge. Anna supervised us. I don’t think she quite trusts me in the kitchen. I left a bit of a mess in there before breakfast,” Jo confessed.

“It’s a wonder you’re still alive then. Anna hates it if we leave a mess in the kitchen,” said Len. “The only person worse than Anna is Karen at the school. Some of the maids are positively terrified of her.”

They ate their sandwiches but Jo noticed that they all quickly checked what was in them before they bit into them. She wondered just what she had put into the sandwiches in the past. They ate most of the fruit and cakes they had with them and then Len saw Jo about to give some chocolate to Tom and Alice.

“No Mamma, I don’t think Tom deserves any chocolate today.”

“But I promised him that I would give him some everyday. You wouldn’t want me to break my promise would you?”

“Yes I do. He has to learn that he can’t get treats when he is naughty.”

“Ok, OK. I won’t give him any chocolate today,” she answered. But then she thought to herself, “I’ll give him double tomorrow.”

After they finished their picnic, they had one last turn at the echoes and then made their way back to Len’s house. Tom held his mother’s hand the whole way home and was fairly quiet for him. He had suddenly realised that she might tell his daddy what he had done and he knew that he would be angry. Alice was very tired by this stage so Con and Jo took it in turns to carry her when she said she couldn’t walk any more. They made their way back to Len’s house where Len put Alice to bed and told Tom that he could stay in his room for a while. They were still sitting around the table having coffee when a tall dark haired man came in and gave Len a quick kiss.

“Mamma, this is my husband Graham.”

Jo looked Graham up and down. She could see by the way that he and Len stood together that they were certainly in love. He had a friendly face with bright green eyes. He was quite good looking and she remembered seeing him at the san a couple of times. She held out her hand saying, “I know this seems a bit strange to say now, but it’s nice to meet you.”

Graham shook her hand laughing. “It’s lovely to meet you too.” He then turned round to Len and said that Jack had invited them all to dinner at Freudesheim at that night.

“Oh good,” said Jo. “That means I’ll have the chance to get to know you better.”

She sat round chatting with him for about ten minutes before Con said they should head back home. She found Jack already home and he asked if she had enjoyed the Auberge. Jo replied that she had had a lovely day and when she described what had happened with Tom Jack groaned. “I knew I should have come with you. You seem to attract incidents like this. No one is safe when you are let out.”

“But you knew that before you married me.”

“Yes, but I thought you would grow out of it one day.” Jack sounded like he was exasperated but Jo noticed that his eyes were twinkling.
Author:  Lesley [ 20 Jul 2009, 05:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/07)
Oh that was so lovely, the rescue, Jo preventing Tom from being taken home, the sandwiches, the chocolate - all of it. Jo seems to be fitting back in with her family really well.


Thank you jmc
Author:  Sugar [ 20 Jul 2009, 06:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/07)
I'm loving this drabble. Jo seems to be coming to terms with her amnesia and becoming a nicer person into the bargin.

Thanks jmc
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 20 Jul 2009, 08:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/07)
It's lovely to see Joey starting to talk about her time with Jack that she does remember, hopefully it will help to bring them closer. It's a shame that the accident didn't bring her memory back, though.

Thankyou.
Author:  keren [ 20 Jul 2009, 08:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/07)
Did we see her buy clothes yet?
Author:  di [ 20 Jul 2009, 08:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/07)
What a lovely day they spent together. A shame Jack wasn't with them to further their relationship. Jo seems more relaxed around him now so that can only be for the good.
Poor Tom, after all he was only doing what all small boys do when faced with losing their favourite toy. I don't suppose he realised the danger he was putting himself in. Personally I thought Len overdid the punishment bit -4 consequences seems a little harsh.
I wonder what dinner will bring? Do they intend waking Alice or does Len also have live-in help?
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 20 Jul 2009, 11:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/07)
Thanks. Am really enjoying this and Joey does seem to be finding her niche in the family again
Author:  MaryR [ 20 Jul 2009, 17:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/07)
Love the way Jo schemes to give her grandson double chocolate the next day. :D I would have done the same!! But then she was always like this, with a twinkle in her eye and a great love of children.

Fingers crossed that something will finally make that breakthrough.

Thanks, jmc
Author:  Abi [ 20 Jul 2009, 21:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/07)
Loved Jo's confusion over the sandwiches :D .
Author:  jmc [ 21 Jul 2009, 00:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 20/07)
Dinner was a lively affair that night and afterwards they all played charades. Jo had everyone in fits of laughter over her charade. She decided to shock everyone with some of her newly acquired knowledge and first rolled all over the floor and then scrunched herself up into a ball. Then she straightened up and scrunched herself into another ball and then another. The she started rolling round the floor again. No one could work out what she was doing at all. Finally it was Con who managed to work out that she was the Rolling Stones.

Jo was up early again the next morning to go for a walk. Yet again Jack met her at the door. The walk was not silent this time as they chatted about the day before. Jo talked about how much she liked all the girls and how relaxed she had felt in their company. Jack let Jo do most of the talking happy that she now seemed to feel that she could talk to him.

When they arrived back at the house they had breakfast with Felicity, Cecil, Phil and Claire who returned to school as soon as they had finished eating. They all went groaning as they wanted to spend more time at home. It wasn’t long until half term though and they all promised to come home for that. The house seemed empty once they had gone. Jack had gone to the san again and Madge and Jem had gone down to Montreaux for the day. Con was in her room packing as she was to leave the next morning.

“I’m going to miss you Con,” said Jo with tears in her eyes. “You have helped me so much.”

“I’ll miss you too Mamma.” Con found that she really meant this.

During her time at college there had been times when she had wanted to run screaming from Freudesheim as she had felt trapped there but now she realised that although she didn’t live here any more this was home to her. And after she had started working there had not been as much time to come home. Her family spread out though they might be now congregated here when they could and she could be at ease with them. In some way her mother’s illness had bought this home to her. She had bonded with her younger sisters over making the albums for their mother. She wished the boys could have been here as well. Con felt as though she had found her family again.

“Make sure you bring your fiancé out to meet me sometime. And if you can’t maybe I could come and visit you somewhere. After all I now have a whole world to explore.”

Len came by later bringing both Alice and Tom with her so that she could also spend the day with Con. The morning was spent playing with the children. Tom was delighted to have everyone to play with and spent the morning bossing them all about. Of course they played pirates with Tom as captain. Alice proved to be quite bloodthirsty as her brother as they both wanted to kill everyone in sight with their swords or make them walk the plank.

After lunch Con told everyone fairy stories and even Jo listened on entranced. Con’s tales were charming and she kept everyone guessing with her twists and turns. Jo doled out chocolate to all at the start of the story and Len never noticed when she slipped a little extra to Tom. Eventually, tired after their late night, both the children’s eyes closed and they fell asleep. The three of them spent the rest of the afternoon just chatting. Len and Con told Jo about life at college and the difficulties they had faced at first with settling in.

“It was so strange after being up here. Everything was busy and no one really cared you. at first I felt totally lost but then as I began t find my feet I realised that most people felt that way when they were first beginning,” said Con.

“It was the same for me. Con and I both had each other at least but many of the people who are now our friends knew no one. I think I found I a bit harder than Con at first. She took to uni life like a duck take to water. But once I met Graham I never looked back,” said Len completely skipping over the fact that she had found it difficult because of the situation with Reg. She was only going to talk that over with her mother if it ever came up.

Jack was driving Con down to Basle the next morning. It had been discussed over dinner whether Jo should go or not but eventually they decided that it might be too much for her. The following morning when it was time for Jo to say goodbye she was in tears. She kept pulling Con close and was reluctant to let her go.

“I have only just gotten to know you and now you have to leave. And who knows when I will see you again.”

“Christmas is only a couple of months away Mamma. I promise I’ll come home. I’ll even try to bring Peter with me,” said Con now crying.
After hugging again Con got into Jack’s car reluctantly and waved to Jo for as long as she could. Jo turned back to the house and then holding onto Len’s arm walked slowly back into the house.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 21 Jul 2009, 07:23 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/07)
Poor Joey, it must feel like such a short time with her daughter. I hope Con manages to come back.

Thankyou.
Author:  shazwales [ 21 Jul 2009, 07:42 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/07)
That was lovely.

Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ 21 Jul 2009, 09:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/07)
Another lovely interlude with Jo gradually getting to know her family again. I hope that things go as smoothly when the boys come home. They didn't usually come for half term, if I remember correctly but perhaps an exception could be made so that Jo can meet them.
thanks, jmc.
Author:  MaryR [ 21 Jul 2009, 14:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/07)
Loved the Rolling Stones! :lol:

Maybe now that the children are all gone back to their various ploys Jack and Jo can grow closer.

Thanks, jmc
Author:  jmc [ 22 Jul 2009, 02:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 21/07)
“Why’s Grandma so sad?” asked Tom spotting the tears sliding down Jo’s face.

“Auntie Con had to leave and Grandma is sad because she won’t see her again for a while,” replied his mother.

“If she forgotted again then she wouldn’t be sad.”

“But if I forgotted again I wouldn’t remember you and you wouldn’t want that would you?” said Jo tickling the little boy.

The morning was spent quietly. Jo felt deflated. There had been so much energy and so many things to do over the last few days. Now that Jo had the quiet that she wanted so badly she found that she missed the noise. Even playing with Tom and Alice didn’t really cheer her up very much. They went with Rosli up to the playroom. Both of them had decided that Grandma was no fun today. She wished she had gone to Basle with Jack and Con and said as much to Madge.

“How about we go down to Montreaux in the next couple of days,” suggested Madge. “Do you still want to buy some new clothes?”

“I’m not sure. I think I do but I am worried about making a fool of myself. Some of the things in those magazines I saw were definitely not me.”

“They’re not all like that Mamma. There’s plenty of other stuff as well. And you don’t have to go alone. I’m sure Auntie Madge would go with you and I might be able to come too if it’s a day when I don’t have to go to school and if I can get someone to look after the kids.”

“Maybe. Oh I don’t know. I want to get out and do something but I don’t know what. I’m tired of talking to people, smiling and trying not to let show what I actually feel. Don’t get me wrong. It’s been great meeting everyone but I feel as though I am constantly on display and that people are either waiting for my reactions or are scared of saying something that they think will upset me.”

“Jo calm down,” said Madge.

“And I wish people would stop telling me to calm down or to relax.”

“Now you’re just being rude.”

Jo glared at her sister. Then she looked ashamed of herself. “I’m behaving like a baby aren’t I? Everything seemed to do so well over the last few days and I guess I hoped that meeting everyone would bring my memory back. I made up my mind that I wouldn’t care and that I would adapt but it’s just not that easy. I feel comfortable with everyone but apart from Madge, Jem and Jack I simply don’t remember anyone. All I actually know of you all is what you’ve told me and that’s been edited as well. But I did find out that I have neglected my children.” She covered her face with her hands.

Madge and Len looked at each other in disappointment. Jo had seemed to be fitting in so well. Even her relationship with Jack had seemed to be progressing, so it was a bit of a shock to find that she thought this.

Madge was the first to respond. “Jo I know we keep telling you this but it is going to take time. You will have your ups and downs but everyone has those. There are days when we all feel down. Life is not all smooth sailing. Granted it is tough for you at the moment but there are people who have it much worse than you.” Madge paused here and took a deep breath. “As to neglecting your children, I am afraid that I’m guilty too. Both Jem and I neglected Sybil when there was an accident with Josette when she was little and then I neglected Sybil and Josette by making them come to Australia with me and ignoring what they wanted to do. I made both of them give up their dreams and it took a while for them to forgive me, especially Sybil. It’s difficult in a large family to give everyone equal attention and your children are lovely. They are on the whole healthy and well adjusted people.”

“What about you Len? Do you agree with what Madge says?”

Len hesitated but then decided to speak plainly. “I think it may have been a bit different for us older ones. We had you to ourselves bit longer before there were so many others. I will admit there was times when I wished I didn’t have to be so responsible and care for the others. Margot was so naughty much of the time that she got lots of attention. Con did at times feel out of it but that was partly Con herself. She often hid away in her own little world.”

“What about the others?” asked Jo

“I think when we lived in England it wasn’t so bad but once we moved here it was harder. As there’s no school here for the boys they had to go to England. At first they were able to go to Aunt Winnie’s in Montreaux just weekly but then they got too old. The girls spent more time with you but I think the person who has felt it most was Cecil.”

“She did say something to me,” admitted Jo.

“I thought something might have happened. You spent so long in the study with her and then later I saw her talking to Papa,” said Len.

“I think we have sorted things out now and I hope she will be happier.”

“Mamma, I think what will make us all happy is if you get your memory back.”

Jo looked at them both happy that they had been honest with her but she still felt that there were things that they weren’t telling her.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 22 Jul 2009, 09:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/07)
I think that the time has come for Jo to be told about her involvement with the school. It might even make things easier for her - the age that she remembers being she was still very much involved with the school, and it might provide a link between then and now.

Thankyou.
Author:  di [ 22 Jul 2009, 09:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/07)
Some home truths which Jo handled well. I've a feeling she is realising that she spent far too much time at the school and that it was such a huge, if inappropriate, part of her adult life.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  JS [ 22 Jul 2009, 09:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/07)
I'm very much looking forward to the shopping expedition.
Thanks for the frequent updates :)
Author:  JB [ 22 Jul 2009, 09:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/07)
Thanks for the update. I do enjoy reading this every morning.

Poor Jo. Settling down to normality will be so hard if her memory doesn't return.

Also looking forward to them going shopping.
Author:  Celia [ 22 Jul 2009, 13:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/07)
Poor Jo, things are really hard,but even if/when her memory comes back there will be difficult decisions to be made I suspect due to what she has discovered about herself.

Thanks for the daily updates jmc
Author:  jmc [ 23 Jul 2009, 03:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 22/07)
This was never meant to get this long. Thanks for all the comments

After lunch, Len collected the children and took them home. Jo and Madge sat in the Saal. It was so quiet and the only noise that Jo could here was the sound of Madge’s knitting needles. Jo herself was reading one of her own books. It was not one of her children’s books but rather a historical novel about the Civil War. She wanted to read one of her adult novels.

Madge jumped at Jo’s voice. “Was that really true what you said about Sybil and Josette?”

“Yes it was. Though it took me a long time to realise what I had done. I have probably been worse to Sybs than anyone. We spoilt her when she was young and then when there was the accident with Josette, we ignored how she was feeling and focused only on Josette. Sybil herself was only young and didn’t mean it but it took us a while to see that. When we went to Canada we left her behind and then after working hard right when she was to start her training in needlework I dragged her away.”

“How did you cope?”

“Well I didn’t realise what I had done at the time. Hindsight is an interesting thing. Would I have done things differently if I had known? Probably but at the time I thought I was doing the best thing. When we went to Australia I thought the girls would be company for me and that they would also be happy to spend some more time with me as they had been away at school for so long. It’s all worked out fine now but the beginning was a bit rocky. It’s a bit like you and Len.”

“Len?”

“Len became engaged to a doctor at the san while in her final term at school. He had known you since he was a boy and Jack took him under his wing. When Len broke off the engagement after her first year at university you were livid. I had many long letters from you about it. You even rang me once or twice.”

“But why would I have been angry that she broke off the engagement?” asked Jo puzzled

“I think it was because Reg was like one of the family and you saw it as a way of keeping Len close to you. But Len had been fairly isolated here and once she got tho Oxford found a whole new life opening up before her. This exact reason is why we are moving the school. We want the girls to have a broader view of life.”

“But Len’s up here now.”

“That was her choice though not yours. When the school leaves though, they are planning on moving back to England.”

Jo was silent again as she took in her conversation with her sister. She started reading her book again but really couldn’t concentrate. She was conscious of Madge looking at her as she resumed her knitting. “The school again,“ she thought. “Everywhere I turn there is always the school.

“Madge you’ve told me a bit about how involved I was in the school. I think it is time for me to talk to Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson to find out exactly how much I was involved.”

Madge phoned Hilda and Nell and arranged for them to come over the next morning. Jo also decided that she did want to go shopping so they decided to do that the following day. They had just finished making their plans when they heard the front door open. Jem came into the room first followed by Jack. There was someone hiding behind him and when Jo saw who it was she gave a yell of delight and rushed over grabbing and hugging her. Then she turned to Jack.

“Did you organise this? You are such a darling!” and with that Jo gave Jack a big hug too.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 23 Jul 2009, 04:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/07)
I hope it's Frieda or Simone or Marie.

Thanks for the updates.

I did feel sorry for Madge over the whole scalding of Josette episoide. She was in a horrible position. Josette was nearly dying and I don't know many parents who could leave a dying child to see to the other kids. I was angry that Joey instead of reassuring Sybil that yes, Madge loved and forgave her she was just angry with her as was Jem. Poor Madge who did love and forgive Sybil straight away was caught up with Josette who nearly died at the time. In regards to Canada, initially they were only meant to go for six months, which would have interupted Sybil and David's schooling to miss a term of school. If they had of known they were staying for a year, I'm sure Sybil would have gone earlier like she did later. And I saw Madge asking Joey to break the news of them staying in Canada as a if Sybil was upset she had family with her for support. It's just Joey was so tactless about it.
I'm in two minds about Australia. I think it was badly done by EBD. Josette, I have very little sympathy for cos all she missed was St Millie's, and Sybil did spend two years at St Millie's after she left the school proper. If she really wanted the needlework course, why not give up St Millies or only go for one year instead of the two she did go for? And no offence, but she could have done her course out in Australia. We do have universities etc out here. We're not that much in the back of beyond!
Author:  Lesley [ 23 Jul 2009, 05:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/07)
I think the problem with Madge taking Sybil and Josette to Australia was the way it was done. Madge did not appear to have even considered her daughters' opinions - and while this may have been the norm in the late Fifties it was not the norm for Madge - she had considered and consulted with Joey when the latter was only twelve. And Josette discovered she was not going with her friends via her Headmistress who had obviously been told long before Madge had considered telling her daughter. It says in the text that not only Josette but Joey and (I think) Hilda had tried to get Madge to change her muind and Josette was really upset about it. After all Australia was a very long way from Europe and the thought of going to 'be company' for Madge can't have been especially appealing. As for Sybil - she had been promised that if she worked hard she would go to a specific school to learn of embroidery - she did work hard and then found that her parents did not keep their end of the bargain - and the possibility of going to a school or college in Australia was not even mentioned as the reason for the two going with Madge was to keep her company.

Back to the story - pleased that Joey has learnt of Reg and about how Len had problems - now, who can this be? Frieda? Robin?


Thanks jmc
Author:  keren [ 23 Jul 2009, 06:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/07)
Fiona Mc wrote:
........Josette, I have very little sympathy for cos all she missed was St Millie's, and Sybil did spend two years at St Millie's after she left the school proper. ....!


At that age the most important thing is your friends, so for Josette they were taking her away from her friends
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 23 Jul 2009, 09:26 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/07)
I can understand Madge's point of view as well, though. She was also having to move to a whole new continent, away from her friends and family, and obviously she would want somebody with her to keep her company. Perhaps she could have told them differently, but I don't blame her for wanting to.

Can't wait to see who Jack has with him!
Author:  JS [ 23 Jul 2009, 09:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/07)
Frieda, methinks. Isn't she closest?
Thanks jmc.
Author:  jmc [ 23 Jul 2009, 09:31 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/07)
Sorry if I upset anyone who thinks I was implying that Australia is a backwater when it comes to universities. Australia has great unis and I went to two of them myself. Sybil wanted to do a particular course and in this story Josette did end up going to uni in Australia.
Author:  di [ 23 Jul 2009, 11:48 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/07)
Perhaps 'they' did things differently in the '50's but I always thought Madge incredibly selfish in taking Sybil and Josette to Australia with her just because she wanted company. Not to mention broken promises!
Who's the mystery visitor, I wonder? Can't be Robin I shouldn't think -I'm sure the convent wouldn't consider Jo's loss of memory sufficient reason to allow her to visit. Maybe Simone or Frieda?
Author:  Jennie [ 23 Jul 2009, 12:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/07)
To make Sybil go to Australia when she had been promised a course at the Royal School of needlework was in effect telling her that her wishes and ambitions were worthless, and that she ought to be a good girl and do as she was told.
Author:  jmc [ 24 Jul 2009, 03:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 23/07)
Jo dragged Frieda over to the sofa and sat her down. “I can’t believe you’re here. Where have you come from? How long are you staying?. Are you married How many children do you have?”

“Jo slow down. I can barely understand what you are saying,” laughed Frieda. “I take it you are happy to see me.”

“Oh Frieda, you don’t know how happy I am to see you.”

“Jack thought you might want to see a familiar face. If you can call my face familiar anymore. I look a bit older.”

“Frieda you hardly look any different to when were at school.”

“Neither do you. Especially with that haircut. What made you do it?”

“It was not long after I woke up. I was so bewildered and this seemed like something simple I could do to make me fell more like me. Do you get what I mean?” asked Jo

“I certainly do. I remember when you first started growing your hair. It looked so untidy most of the time and you kept putting more and more pins in to try and hold it in place.”

“Apart from the headgirl thing that was the only other thing that made me realise that I was finally growing up.”

“You really didn’t want to grow up did you. I wonder if I would have been head girl if you had refused. So glad you didn’t.”
Jack looked at the two of them happily chatting away and felt pleased. He hadn’t mentioned to Jo that Frieda might come back with him because when he had spoken to her on the phone a couple of days ago she wasn’t sure if she could get away and he hadn’t wanted Jo to be disappointed. He continued to watch the two of them thinking they looked just like school girls.

He then started thinking about how Jo had hugged him. He was pragmatic enough to know that it was just a hug because Jo had been so pleased about Frieda, but he couldn’t help thinking that it also showed how much Jo had progressed. Only a week or so ago she would barely have anything to do with him. Now she would go on a walk with him and chat quite happily. Jack slipped from the room as did Madge and Jem leaving the two of them to talk.

By the time dinner time came the two of them had nearly talked themselves hoarse. They had covered Frieda’s family and her life since leaving the school. Frieda had shared with Jo all the worries that she had had over Gretchen as a child and how understanding Jo had been as she had experienced some of the same worries over Margot. They had reminisced about life at school. The phrase “Do you remember when…?” being a common way to start their sentences.

Finally Jo said, “You know when I first woke up it all seemed like a hideous joke. How could I have lost more than half my life? And the life they were telling me about was so different from what I had planned.”

“Joey I can’t even begin to imagine what you felt like. But now that you have had time to adjust how do you feel?” asked Frieda looking at her friend carefully.

“I sometimes feel as though this must all be a dream, but I have actually started to feel more comfortable with everything, even the fact that I am married to Jack. He’s been fantastic. Although when I first heard that I was married to him I couldn’t believe it.”

“You and Jack have been through so much together. The escape from Tyrol and you were devastated when you thought he had died during the war.”

“Before this I only thought of him as a friend but now I don’t know what to think. I just need more time and then I might begin to feel a bit more for him. I am certainly feeling more relaxed around him now and it’s really hard to explain but there is this vague feeling of familiarity about his presence.”

Frieda was happy to hear this for Jack’s sake. On the drive from Basle Jack had filled her in on what had happened since Jo had first woken in the san. He had told her how well Jo had gotten along with all the girls and his faint hopes that he might be able to rekindle his marriage to her. He had confided though that the Jo that he really wanted was the one with her memory back as she was the one with whom he had made his life with. But if that was not to be then all he wanted was for her to be happy.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 24 Jul 2009, 05:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/07)
That was a really lovely visit. Am really glad Frieda was able to get away and visit with Joey
Author:  di [ 24 Jul 2009, 07:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/07)
Well done, Jack, thinking of asking Frieda to come to visit Jo. She seems much more comfortable discussing her fears with one of her oldest friends than with Madge or Jack. Hope also for Jack as she admits to beginning to have feelings stronger than friendship for him.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  JS [ 24 Jul 2009, 08:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/07)
That was lovely, thanks jmc. :)
Author:  JB [ 24 Jul 2009, 08:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/07)
Jack is being so brave here and it was a good idea for someone from outside the family to talk to Jo.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 24 Jul 2009, 10:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/07)
Pleased that Frieda could come, and feel so sorry for Jack here.

Thankyou, I can't wait to see what happens.
Author:  shazwales [ 24 Jul 2009, 18:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/07)
Thankyou i'm really enjoying this.
Author:  brie [ 24 Jul 2009, 18:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/07)
Thanks. Im really enjoying this

*hugs Jack*
Author:  Lesley [ 24 Jul 2009, 19:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/07)
Of course Joey would relate better to Frieda - she still feels as though she's only 19 when Madge, Jem and even Jack were all authority figures over her - Frieda is of her own level.


Thanks jmc
Author:  jmc [ 24 Jul 2009, 23:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 24/07)
Jo had gone to bed that evening the happiest she had been since she had woken up in the san. It had been such a relief to talk to her. But the next morning she was in the Saal with Frieda waiting for Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson to arrive. She found it difficult, even in her own mind, to call them Hilda and Nell. She was quite nervous about the upcoming meeting as the school appeared to be the crux on which her whole life was centred. Frieda had offered to leave for the morning saying she would go and visit Hilary or Biddy but Jo had asked her to stay for support.

Time seemed to creep by slowly until finally there was a knock at the door. Frieda gave Jo’s hand a reassuring squeeze and left the room to answer the door. Jo heard the Frieda greet the two women and then heard, “Frieda von Ahlen! When did you get up here?” in Miss Wilson’s voice. The three of them came back into the room with Frieda answering the questions the two of them where firing at her.

“Thank you both for coming,” said Jo.

“No need to sound so formal Jo. And you can stop looking as if you are scared of us,” said Miss Wilson as she came over and gave Jo a kiss on the cheek.

“Good Morning Jo,” said Miss Annersley smiling.

Jo hesitated. She didn’t know how to begin this conversation. “Would you like some tea or coffee Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson? I can also find out if we have any biscuits or cakes.” she said standing up and moving towards the door.

“I thought we settled this last time Jo. Our names are Nell and Hilda,” Hilda said. “And I don’t think we need anything right at this moment. After all it is not too long since breakfast.”

Jo decided that she had to bite the bullet. “I really meant it when I thanked you both for coming. I know that Madge has spoken to you and that’s she’s asked you to tell me about how I was involved in the school. What I want you to do though is tell me everything. Don’t leave anything out.”

“We’ll tell you anything you want to know Jo,” said Hilda. “But we might have to skip a few things or we would be here for a long time. You describe yourself as one of the foundation stones of the school. You were the first pupil and have continued to be involved from the moment you left school.”

“You came down to the school for the first day of the new term and owing to an outbreak of illness from your nieces and nephews you were unable to go back to the Sonnalpe. And then through illness on the staff you started taking some classes. That was the term Mademoiselle first became ill.”

“Is that when you took over as head?” Jo asked Hilda.

“At first it was acting head but it was a year or so later that I took over the position permanently.”

“You were at the school quite often after that first term but it never seemed strange because you had so many friends still there. You also spent a lot of time at the Sonnalpe helping Madge with all the children and writing. At one stage you even went to India,” continued on Nell.

“It was once the war began and we moved to Guernsey and then England that you really became involved. There were staff shortages so we often called on you to help out and you were often in and out of the school.”

Jo listened intently as Hilda and Nell continued to talk about the accident that they had been involved in and how Miss Bubb became headmistress, the various girls she had helped and sports days and regattas and school events that she had attended. Finally the talk reached the point where the school moved to Switzerland.

“Once we moved here you lost the wide circle of friends that you had in England. You still wrote to them of course but it wasn’t as easy to see them. And as you had 8 children by this time travelling was more difficult so I guess you came to rely on the school for friendship and as something to do apart from your writing,” said Hilda. “With Madge further away you became our conduit to her. You were involved with decision making and you kept us informed on the news of old girls and staff.”

Nell looked at Jo. She seemed to be a bit dazed by all the information that was coming her way but she asked them to continue so Nell told Jo about the parties she held for new girls and about all the girls she had helped out.

“I think the real problem is the longer we have been here the more entrenched you have become. The school is your life. You have become more and more reluctant the leave the Platz. In some ways this illness may prove to be a blessing in disguise,” said Hilda.

“Jo don’t get upset by what we have told you. On the whole you have been a positive influence within the school. You have always been there to help out when we needed it and you are such a warm hearted and caring person and have helped so many girls over the years,” said Nell.

“But did I do this at the expense of my own family?”
Author:  Pat [ 24 Jul 2009, 23:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/07)
That's the big question, isn't it?
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 25 Jul 2009, 04:09 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/07)
I'm in two minds over that. It's like asking if any working mother works at the expense of their family. Joey worked full time with her writing and you could say her breaks to see the school which weren't everyday were her luch breaks etc at work. Most her children were at school and she still seemed to do a lot with her younger children. admittedly she did focus on the older ones in the holidays but they were away at school during the year so that was a natural reaction. And she only had her parties 2-3 times a term at most and did include her children at home in it. I tend to see Joey like most parents that yes she made mistakes but for the most part she did seem to be there for her kids and did defend them. (ie Mike and going down the cliff).

Though can understand why the kids would have found it hard having their mother pop in and out with their school they way she did. And it's so easy to be overlooked in such a large family, the way Cecil was.
Author:  Lesley [ 25 Jul 2009, 08:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/07)
Interesting - wonder how Hilda and Nell are going to answer that?


Thanks jmc
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 25 Jul 2009, 09:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/07)
I think that only Joey can answer that question properly.

Thankyou, can't wait to see the answer.
Author:  JB [ 25 Jul 2009, 10:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/07)
I think Hilda and Nell dealt with that beautifully.

I don't think Jo's involvement with the school made her a bad mother but as Hilda says, it's a symptom of her dislike of change and it contributed to her increasingly narrow view of the world. Both of those things affected her relationship with her children as did her difficulty in seeing them as individuals.
Author:  di [ 25 Jul 2009, 10:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/07)
...and just how will Hilda and Nell answer that one?
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  MaryR [ 25 Jul 2009, 19:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/07)
She wasn't a bad mother at all, especially when you see her in the holiday books. They're right to tell her what a positive influence she's been. Maybe she took over too much of the caring role of the girls, rather than allowing Hilda to do so, but that doesn't make her a bad mother.

Was hoping that Frieda might have stimulated her memory....

Thanks, jmc
Author:  brie [ 25 Jul 2009, 22:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/07)
Poor Jo.

Thanks jmc- i love the fact that this gets updated everyday. :D
Author:  jmc [ 26 Jul 2009, 08:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 25/07)
Not too sure about this bit. It didn't go the way I intended it to go.

Hilda and Nell looked at each other. What a loaded question.

“While Nell and I have never married and had children we have seen a lot of girls and their families and yours isn’t too bad at all especially for one that is so large and with parents who both have their own careers.”

“And Jo you have helped some of those girls with home lives that were in some cases challenging.”

“But what about my own family? Cecil said she felt left out. And the boys must have found it hard being at school so far away.”

“Jo, I may not be a parent in name but I had had hundreds of girls in my care for over thirty years so I feel that I can talk to you about this,” said Hilda firmly. “Maybe at times you could have done things better but I think all parents will admit that they have made mistakes at times. I will admit that at times you may have been a bit distracted but you did have a lot going on.”

“I agree with Hilda,” said Nell. “And remember in the early days there was a war going on so everyone had to chip in and help. Jack was away for much of the war, the school was short staffed. Everyone just did the best they could. You had Robin, Daisy, Primula and the Macdonald twins. You were there when anyone needed you. No one could say that you didn’t try your best.”

“But what about Cecil? I know that she was unhappy. She told me at that much. And the boys? I don’t really know how they felt as I haven’t met them yet.”

“The boys are in the same situation as many children with parents who live overseas. At the school over the years we have had many students whose parents were in the same situation. Some of them have gone a few years without seeing their parents. At least your boys know where you are and that they can come home during the summer holidays. They usually come at Christmas too,” said Nell.

“The Chalet School is in a different country from where the majority of our students live and their parents choose to send them to us. This is just them same as you sending the boys to England. You wanted them to get the best education they could. I know you worried at times apart being parted from them at a young age and you got the school to start kindergarten classes so they could stay with you for longer,” continued Hilda.

“I did?” said Jo looking a bit happier. Then her expression darkened again. “Well what about Cecil? I feel as though I let her down badly. And Len and Con? Did I make life difficult for them?”

“Len is my godchild and she has confided in me a number of times over the years so I don’t want to give away any confidences. But although she felt a bit restricted at times over the responsibilities that she had as the head of the family she was generally happy. She did find it difficult when she first went to university but that was partly because of the engagement.”

“Madge told me that I was furious with her when she broke it off and that I wouldn’t talk to her.”

“True. I thought you were unreasonable at the time and I told you so,” said Hilda. “I didn’t understand as when you were Len’s age you said you didn’t want to get married and have children so I found it firstly strange that you were so happy about her engagement while she was still at school and then I felt you overreacted so badly when she broke it off. It took me a while to realise that you were angry because you felt that Len was moving away from you and that she hadn’t consulted in you like she used to do when she was younger. Also the older you have become the more resistant to change you have become.”

“What about the Con?”

“Con is fine. She was happier enough at school most of the time as she was quite content just to drift along but she has really come into her own since going to Oxford. Maybe you could have shared some of Len’s responsibilities with her but she really was in another world much of the time. And you were frantic about Margot and Mike on many occasions. You tried just about everything with them to try and get them to pull their socks up. I remember you sitting in my office many times over the years,” said Hilda.

“You still haven’t talked about Cecil,” said Jo.

“I can’t really answer that fully as I don’t know what she said to you exactly but in any family, no matter how big there is often a child who feels more left out than the others. This would be particularly true in a family as large as yours. Cecil was between two sets of twins so they always had each other. And you know about Phil’s illness. Cecil was at a point to really miss her mother’s attention so it might have felt a bit like you rejected her. She was still too young to really comprehend how sick Phil was. It was a bit like what happened with Sybil and Josette although poor Sybil also had the added burden of feeling guilty about the accident which wasn’t helped by some people being so angry with her,” said Hilda. “Your biggest problem has been in the last few years as the children have grown up more. You have become almost obsessed with the goings on at the school. I think it is partly because you don’t have as much to do anymore at home and being part of the school makes you feel needed.”

“Jo,” said Nell determined to try and calm Jo’s fears once and for all. “Your children always knew where you were and that you did care about them and their welfare which is more than I can say for some parents. Yes you were distracted and busy at times and you made mistakes but you genuinely wanted the best for them and tried to provide that for them. And like Hilda said earlier, this illness could be good for you. It has shaken up your life. The young Jo was one who liked to take risks and do new things. The Jo you were before you lost your memory did at times not seem particularly happy at times and had become stuck in a rut. It’s like you have been given a second chance. Make the most of it.”

“Thank you,” said Jo with tears in her eyes.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 26 Jul 2009, 08:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/07)
Aww, I'm so pleased that they managed to help Jo. Thankyou!
Author:  JB [ 26 Jul 2009, 10:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/07)
Phew. I think they handled that well.
Author:  Lesley [ 26 Jul 2009, 10:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/07)
Oh that was nice - so pleased they were able to be honest and yet not condemn her for her choices.


Thanks jmc
Author:  keren [ 26 Jul 2009, 11:12 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/07)
The 18 yr old Jo can find it hard to understand the older Jo
The concepts of being married and a parent are so far away from her, that it is hard for her to understand all the ins and outs of this
She is seeing this at first in sort of black and white, when really it is a situation that developed.
Author:  shazwales [ 26 Jul 2009, 21:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/07)
Thanks jmc i think they both handled a very awkward situation beautifully.
Author:  jmc [ 27 Jul 2009, 04:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 26/07)
Frieda who had remained silent throughout the conversation now turned to Jo. “See I told you that Hilda and Nell would help you. Now Jo if I could please have my hand back while there is still a little feeling in it I’ll go and get some drinks for everyone.”

“Oh sorry,” said Jo releasing Frieda’s hand. “Is it Ok? I don’t even remember grabbing it.”

Frieda stood up massaging her hand as she did so. “You grabbed it when you first started talking. I might have to get Jack to have a look at it as you talked for such a long time.” She smiled at her friend as she left the room.

“Jo one thing you have always been good at is making friends. Now more than ever you are going to need them,” said Nell. “Just remember that Hilda and I are also your friends, even though you might not remember us as such. We will do what we can for you. Now, let’s move on to something a bit lighter. I think we have all had enough of such deep conversation and you also need time to process everything that’s been said.”

“I might not remember both of you as friends but I now know that you are. Only friends could talk like that and actually make me feel better about myself,” said Jo. “Both of you must have been so good for the school. I bet they miss you now that you have retired. Ok lighter things sound good. Could we talk about something other than me, my life and my family for a while? It’s very tiring hearing all about my life all the time.”

The rest of the morning passed pleasantly. Madge came to join them and Jo found herself talking with Nell about popular music. Jo was surprised to find that Nell enjoyed The Beatles and the Rolling Stones as well and she suggested that Jo should also try The Beach Boys and The Monkees. Hilda grimaced at Nell’s talk and was moved to whisper to Madge that she was hoping that Nell wasn’t going to play that sort of music when they were travelling together. Madge nodded in sympathy and promised that the radio would be “broken” when they arrived to visit her.

Frieda promised to show Jo around as much of Switzerland as she could. “Now that the grown up or at school it is much easier for me to leave. It also gives me the excuse to have a bit of fun,” she said laughing. “We could dig out a few others. Make a bit of a party out of it.”

Jo leapt on the idea.”A party would be fun. We should try to invite as many people as we can from when we were at school.”

“Why don’t we start off with a small group? Maybe see if Simone and Marie could come. It would be just like old times with just the four of us,” said Frieda. “It’s been a while since we all got together. I’ll make a few calls when I get home and see what I can arrange.”
Hilda and Nell stayed for lunch but took left soon after. Jo and Frieda went for a walk while Madge went to the kitchen to try and persuade Anna to finally teach her how to make her lemon biscuits.

Jo found the air invigorating after being in the house all morning. The air was quite chilly and Frieda told Jo that she thought the snow might come early this year.

“The skiing and tobogganing is one thing the girls might miss when the school moves. The interest in it really picked up as well after the Winter Olympics were held in Innsbruck a couple of years ago. But you can’t have everything. It really can be a bit isolated up here.”

They found themselves walking towards the san and Jo thought they should pop in and say hello to Jack to surprise him. Jack came back to his office after seeing some patients and was surprised to find Jo and Frieda sitting in his office.

“So what brings the two of you here? “he asked with a slight grin.

“Oh we were out for a walk and got a bit bored. This seemed like a good option,” said Jo airily.
Author:  Lesley [ 27 Jul 2009, 05:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
That's nice - good for Joey to realise Hilda and Nell are her friends too - and that Nell likes the same music - love the fact the radio will be 'broken' when they visit Madge's place!


Thanks jmc
Author:  shazwales [ 27 Jul 2009, 05:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
Thanks jmc, hope Frieda can arrange the reunion.
Author:  Alison H [ 27 Jul 2009, 06:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
Really enjoyed catching up on this - thanks jmc.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 27 Jul 2009, 08:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
Pleased that Hilda and Nell could help Jo. Thankyou.
Author:  JS [ 27 Jul 2009, 09:12 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
Looking forward to the reunion - but what about the shopping trip??
Thanks jmc. Your frequent updates gladden my heart.
Author:  di [ 27 Jul 2009, 09:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
Hilda and Nell gave Jo some good, solid advice which I'm sure she'll take to heart. She seems determined to develop a 'new' Jo, nothing like the old one which can only be for the better. I never did like EBD's adult Jo.
Thanks for the update, jmc.
Author:  JB [ 27 Jul 2009, 10:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
Quote:
It’s very tiring hearing all about my life all the time.


It must be. I do like Joey in this.
Author:  MaryR [ 27 Jul 2009, 16:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
The wonder is that Jo isn't overwhelmed by all the things she's being told about herself and the life she doesn't remember. Some 'down' time would be good for her, so she can assimilate it all. Her normal joie de vivre is definitely missing.

Here's to some little thing that will jog that memory.

Thanks, jmc
Author:  jmc [ 28 Jul 2009, 03:01 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
There probably won't be an update for a few days as I am exhausted. I am working weekends as well at the moment and during the week I'm usually not getting home until 9pm. And my friends say teaching is easy because I get so many holidays. I have written a little more but I'm not entirely happy with it. When I do update again later this week I will start a new thread as this one has reached 25 pages.
Author:  JB [ 28 Jul 2009, 09:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
Take care of yourself, jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ 28 Jul 2009, 09:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
Look after yourself and have a good rest, jmc.
Author:  MaryR [ 28 Jul 2009, 13:31 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
Never let anyone tell you teaching is an easy option, Jo!! :hammer:

(Them's my sentiments - and Hilda agrees!! :wink:)
Author:  PaulineS [ 28 Jul 2009, 16:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
Teaching easy no way and the start of term is always tough. I taught over eighteens, supposed adults, and although I thought in easier than teaching in schools it was still hard work. The amount of prep at weekends and during holidays is not seen by others is it, yet is a vital part of the job.

Have a break from the drabble and come back when you feel less stressed.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ 28 Jul 2009, 17:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
Have a good rest, jmc. Teaching - especially if you have to deal with the sort of students I remember - is not an easy option at all!
Author:  Helen P [ 30 Jul 2009, 10:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories (Updated 27/07)
I've just caught up on over a week's worth of this and am still enjoying it immensely! Thank you jmc. :D
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