Thursday 7th December

  

Waking up to beautiful sunshine across the bay, we decided to spend the day in Málaga exploring the hilltop castle ruins and the Arabic style gardens.

Our first stop was the amazing Castillo de Gibralfaro, situated high on the hill, overlooking the city. We walked along the walls, up and down steps, in and out of courtyards and viewing areas. Looking inland were many white-walled, terracotta-roofed houses with the mountains in the distance. Towards the coast was the bull ring, municipal offices, cathedral, the marina, and the busy port. We stopped at the top for coffee and cake, then drove down back into the old town.

Again, parking seems to be problematic, so we ended up in an underground parking lot, not too far from a busy square filled with cafés, bars and street entertainers.

We made our way to the Alcazaba which is a medieval, Moorish castle set amidst spectacular gardens, with patios, pools and paths meandering up the hillside. Inside are splendid multifoil arches, columns, decorated ceilings and walls tiles.

Suitably amazed by the breathtaking views and architecture, it was time for a bite to eat. The old part of the city is a maze of roads, alleyways and walkways, many overlooked by wrought iron balconies and ochre coloured walls.

We had been recommended an eatery by the name of Los Gatos, and ordered a variety of different tapas and beers, perching on stools, sitting outside on the pavement. Our waiter kindly ended our meal with free glasses of Prosecco.

From here we continued our meanderings, taking in the relaxed, easy atmosphere. As the sun was beginning to go down, we decided to end the day watching the sunset at a beach bar, or chiringuito. More beers, coffee, a fabulous langoustine risotto, and buckets of hot coals set beneath the table, kept us warm as the temperature dropped.

Thinking of you.

Sweetheart Angel son.

With me always.

xxxxxx

Wednesday 6th December

  

This morning we joined our son’s girlfriend’s father for breakfast, and then went to her brother’s house to meet more family.

Just before midday our son began a long, but very scenic driving route, to Málaga. We stopped for lunch in Sevilla, eating tapas and drinking coffee: polpo y calamares….. octopus and squid ~ the best.

We arrived in Málaga just as the sun was setting, with a perfect view from our holiday apartment. After a quick wash and brush up, we were back in the car, looking for somewhere to eat….. but nowhere to park. The traffic was unbelievable, and no parking spots to be had. Málaga Centro was gridlocked.

Round and round we go, eventually finding a place to park​, one block from the harbour front. Pizza and beers were the order of the day, followed by a long walk around the marina and through the Christmas markets.

You really should be here with us. You would have enjoyed wandering around, with so much to see.

Love you so much my Angel.

Precious son.

Moon and back.

xxxxxx

Tuesday 5th December

   

One thousand days and empty nights

As though someone turned out the lights

We didn’t know it was close to the end

We really thought you were on the mend

    

No longer we’ll hear the sound of laughter

You didn’t have that ‘Happy ever after’

Emptiness is all that remains

Since you broke free from those mortal chains

     

I tried so hard to save you that night

But you slipped away without a fight

Our darling boy in heaven above

We are sending to you so much love

  

xxxxxx

Monday 4th December

    

Your brother and his girlfriend have lived in Badajoz for three and a half years. We spent the day wandering around the city, practicing our Spanish; ordering breakfast, morning coffee, afternoon beers and dinner.

I think you would have enjoyed it here. A chilly start, but the brightest blue sky all day long. Many palm trees and orange trees lined the avenues and the shops were decorated for the festive season. A large department store had a whole floor of toys, books, electronics and videos. You could have spent all your pocket money here.

Early evening, and we went to check up on your brother ~ he owns an Academy, teaching English to Spanish children and adults. We are there when a class of four year olds are about to begin ~ my, were they noisy! You used to love looking after the youngsters in the nursery where you had a placement, so I’m sure you could have joined in with the lessons too.

We miss you so very much my darling.

Love you to the moon and back.

xxxxxx

Sunday 3rd December

    

04:10 alarm awakens

05:30 car parked

06:00 bags dropped

07:20 gate opens

08:10 take off

10:15 land Lisbon

10:40 catch taxi

10:55 coach station

12:00 coach leaves

13:30 stop Evora

14:25 stop Estremoz

14:40 Borba

14:50 stop Terragem

15:10 arrive Elvas

15:30 chicken dinner

17:00 sunset Elvas

17:50 River Guadiana

18:00 moon rise

19:30 hotel Badajoz

   

And we do so wish you were with us

Love you my Angel

xxxxxx

Saturday 2nd December

    

Yes,

Life does carry on

But,

That is the saddest part

  

Life,

Carries on without you

We,

Are a family without a son

  

Missing

My sweet Angel

Loving

You forever and always

   

xxxxxx

Friday 1st December

   

Learning to carry on

When a piece is missing

All I can do

Is keep reminiscing

  

Learning to breathe

When the heart is broken

Keep making sure

Your name is spoken

  

Learning to live

When a life has gone

Just have to keep

On keeping on

  

My precious Angel son

Now forever young

xxxxxx

Thursday 30th November

   

Never the same

I call your name

No-one replies

Tears fall from eyes

  

Empty feeling

Pain revealing

Brokenhearted

You departed

  

Those little things

Happiness brings

Rememb’ring you

A smile so true

  

My darling son

His day is done

My love for him

Never grows dim

  

My Angel

xxxxxx

Wednesday 29th November

   

It still feels like it happened yesterday

I know the relentless agony should soften

Yet the pain is definitely here to stay

But perhaps my tears won’t flow so often

   

Missing you today

Loving you forever

Precious Angel son

xxxxxx

Tuesday 28th November

    

Long after you’ve gone

Love for you lives on

Though you are not here

I know you’re​ always near

Mem’ries never-ending

Broken hearts want mending

Another day without​ you

And so pain begins anew

   

Missing you

Loving you

Always and forever

Treasured Angel son

xxxxxx