Bradford Lad: A Wink Is As Good As A Word
Mike Coatesworth recalls a boat trip - and a happy wink.
One of the rare treats when I was a lad was to be taken by my Aunt Chrissie, along with my brother, to Knaresborough zoo.
I had to be on my best behaviour. My aunt said I deserved a treat. I was excited, never having been to a zoo before. There was also the chance to go boating on the river. That was enough to persuade my brother Alan that he also wanted to go with us.
That wasn't the only reason that Alan wanted to come along. He knew, as did the rest of us, that Aunt Chrissie was going blind. He wanted her to enjoy what little was left of her sight. Alan promised to take us on a boat trip. After I'd hugged him and my aunt I was told to change into my best clothes. That didn't involve much choice. I only had one set of "best'' clothes.
We spent a good couple of hours at the zoo. I was in awe, seeing animals I had never seen before. Then we went boating. Alan took the oars. I sat facing Aunt Chrissie, watching her features as she looked up, smiling, at the sky, then at the trees on the river banks. The smile never left her wonderful features. She was so happy.
When, with her fading sight, she noticed that I was looking at her, she winked at me. She had never done such a thing before. As I recall that wink, and all that it conveyed, I am close to tears.
As I look back I realise that Aunt Chrissie was storing up scenes that could be recalled when she was no longer able to see. I guess she was scared. Aware that soon she would be in total darkness. But that day she was happy.
That made me happy, and aware that I should help Aunt Chrissie whenever I could. And that I did.
