Blogpost No 8 August 2024
I have very sad news to report this month. I’m sorry to say that Sweep, Dad’s, then Mum’s (and mine and Bob’s by default) lovely black and white Border Collie, became very ill (he was recently diagnosed with a heart condition) and died last Friday (23/08/24).
He came into our lives at the beginning of 2017. Dad had deeply mourned the loss of his last dog Peter, who’d made it through to 16 years old. Dad was devastated and couldn’t think about another dog. He was persuaded to adopt about 18 months later and Sweep took up the space in his heart that so needed filling up. Sweep did it completely! We were told Sweep didn’t take to men very well as he’d been beaten badly (how does that even happen?!!) and that he was calmer around women. Turns out that Dad made him feel totally loved almost straight away and he was the only person Sweep felt safe with. It was a lovely development in what turned out to be Dad’s last year. I’m so grateful Dad had that unconditional loving relationship to his end. He loved animals so much. And Sweep reciprocated beautifully.
Once Dad had passed, Sweep became Mum’s constant companion and as Bob and I became Mum’s carer’s it became our joy to walk, feed and have fun with Sweep. He was a balm. I can’t begin to tell you how delightful he made me feel! I regularly got out of bed at 6am in order to walk him before I got in the sea. Without fail he made me smile. Even in wet and windy weather, which is a fairly regular occurrence here on the tiny isle! I loved him. And he came to love me. But it took time.
I wrote about how our lovely neighbour Jill offered to look after Sweep when we travelled to Australia earlier this year. When we got back she blurted out: “Can I keep him?!” She already had two dogs, one of them, Connie, is a smaller version of Sweep and he absolutely adored her! He spent most of his time chasing her, chasing a ball. We couldn’t have been happier for him. He had an idyllic six months as part of Jill’s amazing menagerie (3 dogs, 3 sheep, 2 Shetland ponies and a horse!). I walked him several times in the last few months and each time relished that spontaneous smile he provoked. I had the most wonderful cuddle with him the day before he left us. I hope you appreciate the video I’ve put together in honour of Sweep. I’ve used the demo (imperfect!) version of So Brave which I wrote about my Dad and has the line: “I walk the dog and sit beside you ..”
Bob, at Jill’s request, dug a grave for him on Saturday (24/08/24). He said the act was full of love and very cathartic for both him and Jill and that Sweep just looked peaceful and at rest. A little while later I planted a pear tree next to him, one I’d grown from a pip. It seemed appropriate. I sang and said a few words of gratitude and love. Pets are precious, even when they come into your life unexpectedly. Rest easy now Sweep … have fun with Mum, Dad and Peter. We miss you.
There was one bright moment the first weekend of August when I was invited to sing at a local charity concert in Sulby. My lovely friend Judith Ley does a show every year to raise funds for the local parish’s community work. I offered to do an abridged version Of Children Of The Sea. Also on stage were the superb (award winning!) Lon Vane ladies Choir. The whole event was a delight. A great reminder that I love performing live. It bodes well for November.
The rest of the month is a blur. There are so many changes afoot yet so little outer movement. Plans are forming and there’s the small matter of a tour in November. All in good time. Right now is a strange, formless, liminal space. I’ve lost my mojo somewhat. To be expected of course but it’s uncomfortable and exhausting at times. I feel unable to make it any different, so I’m rolling with it. This too shall pass. Your kind thoughts are always appreciated. Thank you.
The greenhouse is still being generous and supportive. I love it in there. Dipping in the sea is still very much a life affirming practice with the added joys of a sauna most Fridays making it all the more rich and enlivening which I need right now, more than usual. All is well all shall be well.
I will be back with a bit more verve next month. Promise. There are many things to do before shows start in November and though that’s still a ways off … it will come round super-quick! Tickets are on sale everywhere now … please check out the tour dates. I’d love to see you. I’ll be posting a few more behind the scenes videos soon and brushing up on songs to sing in the second half of each show. All in good time.
Oh I almost forgot ... the most exciting news of August is that Children Of The Sea is finally available at Waterstones Douglas IOM! I'm thrilled!
Till next time, stay well and keep rising above the turbulence … it can be a little bumpy but we'll get there in the end.
Sending you all much love as always.
Christine x
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