Don't panic it was eight years ago. Sat alone in our tiny living room, I laughed myself silly at an episode of The Royle Family, the one where Denise was getting married but had a, ahem, dicky tummy. At 34 weeks pregnant, I began to experience what would be best described as "twinges". In possibly the understatement of the year (round these parts anyway) I rang Neil at work and told him I felt 'a bit funny." But as we had an appointment with my consultant the next day, I'd just hang on.
Well the time for the appointment came and after telling me not to put myself out by attempting to move from my wheelchair to the couch (it's a long story!) the consultant cheerfully told me I was in labour. She also told me some other details that would put you off your tea if I was to include them here, but the word 'centimetres' figured heavily. This was a complete shock, and I don't just mean how many centimetres I was. All my mates had ribbed me to say I had such a low pain threshold that I'd be "climbing the wall" when I went into labour. But all it took was the genius of Caroline Aherne and away I went. Of course me and Neil were told to go straight to hospital. I remember it seemed the slowest journey but one where Neil and I were so full of hope and love that we were starting such a big adventure together. We talked and talked the whole way, recounting childhood memories, our hopes for the future - and how brilliant the Royle Family was. Despite being a little early, I wasn't overly worried - having had "Anything past 30 weeks is a bonus" drummed into me since the early days of the pregnancy. Inevitably with my ridiculous work ethic (Thanks Dad) like an idiot, as soon as I was able I pitched a piece on ‘weird things that sent us into labour’ and had it commissioned.I say like an idiot because the small matter of having two babies to look after got in the way of erm actually writing it. Oh well it was only The Sun. Doh.
That's why in this house last night's Royle Family had a lot to live up to. But boy did it deliver. See what I did there? The scene where Barbara was doing Nana's hair was the most moving thing I've ever seen on telly - enhanced by the fact that my mum also sang Que Sera Sera to me when I was little. (Thanks Mum.) I also think I'm just a tiny bit in love with Twiggy.
Linda, a beautiful post. Very emotive.
Posted by: Glenda | October 31, 2006 at 08:26 PM