This Small Town: Reflections on a changing world

I’ve lived in this same small town since I was a child. Walked the same roads, with the same sounds and same smells. The same greetings in the same tones. The same stories – of birth and marriage and death; new jobs, new homes, new starts. New lives for new people.

And yet, for me there doesn’t seem to be any chance of a new start. A new life. This small town is all I’ve ever known. And there’s a part of me that knows that it’s all I’ll ever know.

This small town is my prison. No – not quite a prison. More of a stronghold. You see, it’s like in those old tales, of kings and queens and castles. And at the start, it’s great. Perfect, even. It protects you; keeps you safe. The enemy watches from down below, and it’s the best place to be.

And you love the people; the company. They’re all you’ve ever known, just as this place is all you’ve ever known…

But, then, one day, the walls of the stronghold start falling down, and you realise that you no longer feel safe. And the enemy starts coming up the hill, and you don’t recognise the people anymore. Your comrades are all gone, and everyone’s a stranger.

But you can’t leave. And as much as you try, it keeps you captive. The walls are re-built, but it’s not the same. And, for the first time in your life, you feel alone.

But the roots still grow through the soil – eternal reminders of once was, and what will always be…

****

This (very) short narrative was inspired by a visit to some of my maternal family a few weeks ago. Quite a few comments were passed about the drastic changes in the town where they live - different people, schools, the closing down of family-run shops. Generally, a different - and somewhat unfamiliar - atmosphere. The feeling that although it is the same place, it feels so different...

Here I Discuss Two Starkly Contrasting Things

1. I watched a really awesome TV drama the other day, called 'Don't Take My Baby'. It was a scripted/acted programme, but inspired by a true case of two disabled parents and their young baby, and explores the world of the thousands of children born to disabled parents in the UK each year - a world that, I must guiltily admit, I'd never really considered.

The mother (Anna) had a rare muscle-wasting condition (diagnosed when she was 2, and told ever since that she has 'two years' to live) and was confined to a wheelchair, and the father (Tom) a genetic degenerative sight condition which rendered him partially sighted (and, ultimately, almost completely blind).
I admit, my description makes this programme sound really bleak and dreary, but it's not.
Rather than only focusing on the negative impacts and effects of disability, it explores the positives.

A couple's marvellous determination to keep and raise their child.

And even though I was aware that they were actors, I could help but root for the characters of Anna and Tom - and for baby Danielle. Their determination to live independent lives in spite of their disabilities (Tom - although with limited eyesight - was Anna's primary carer) made me feel for these thousands of parents, unsure whether they will ever get to care for their baby ever again.

And, there were definitely light moments. Tom drunkenly announcing to Anna (when they first meet at a party) that they should skinny-dip in a swimming pool. Tom building Anna a "computer changing table" (basically just a computer table with a bit of wood sawn off) so that she could feed and change Dani....

Neither character saw each other as disabled, but as parents - with Tom announcing bluntly: "I'm Tom, and I'm a father. This is Anna, and she's a mother".

Two strong characters, played by two strong actors, in a programme that manages to somewhat over-ride the stigma and prejudices that often come as part of the term 'disability'.

*********

2. In stark contrast, apparently Calvin Harris is dating Taylor Swift??! Like, the ACTUAL Taylor Swift.

Anyone else still remember him from Dizzee Rascal's 'Dance Wiv Me' video, back in 2008 [Was it only released in the UK???]
What happened to the mildly awkward guy with the floppy fringe and slightly wonky teeth?

Seriously.

You could cut diamonds on his abs now.*

*Not literally, though. The scientist inside me is screaming out. Human abs CANNOT break a diamond.

WHAT'S GOING ON???!!

Gif A Little Love...

I'm too lazy to write an actual stimulating, intelligent post today, so instead I will leave you with some random gifs. Because gifs are cool.

(I know, gifs are probably old-school by now - but I still own (and cherish) an mp3 player and a collection of VHSs, so don't judge me, OK?)



I love Charlie Brown!













#relationshipgoals





My favourite Friends line. Ever.

Afterthought: I think I've just kind-of plagiarised the 'My Life in Gifs' tag. Oops...
Also: Just realised that the title only works if you pronounce 'gif' as 'gif' not 'jif'. Otherwise, it just sounds weird...