Carrying one's cross alone

Today is Good Friday, and for some reason I spotted a lone figure walking down Clare High Street this morning bearing a huge wooden cross over his shoulders, large enough to mount on Calvary. He was not in a procession, and no-one was attempting to help him carry it. Ann suggested it might be the return of Christ, suffering His Passion again, but this time wondering where the crowds were, or where was Simon of Cyrene when he was needed. It seemed to by a metaphor for the present spiritual indifference in much of the modern world.

Granny Annie and Grandad John entertain Lucy and Theo at Linton Zoo

Following from the funeral, Wednesday also saw the visit of Lucy and her partner Andy, with new arrival Theo in tow. At least, he always seems new – though it is nearly two years since they stood in our kitchen to announce he was on his way. Already he is eighteen months and charging round the world with an energy and determination that seems unquenchable. It is many years since we had to entertain a toddler, but a trip to the local Linton Zoo helped divert him. Linton is the ideal size for this, being compact for slow crawlers like me, well able to be viewed in an afternoon rather than a full day, but full of variety and interest for children. Charging round from enclosures of tortoises or tapirs to cages of lions and tigers certainly managed to bring the magic of entertainment and fatigue in equal measures and, after a rest in the cafe before closing time for ices and drinks, they were well placed to toddle off to Lucy's brother, Matthew, to stay a further day with him and Rosie.

Andy is an honorary member of the Society for Acrimonious Divorce (SAD), having suffered a prolonged and difficult transition from the matrimonial state. However, a recent judicial hearing happily seems to be moving things forward at last, and we wish him all speed on this difficult journey.