January can be a brutal month, don’t you think? A distinct lack of the things that make life a bit easier, like money, alcohol, sunshine, the list goes on. Although I don’t really like resolutions I – stupidly – said I was going to do a dry January. This lasted about 4 days before I caved. I have, however, continued with intermittent fasting and a paleo type diet as this makes me feel really good. I have also been using the long winter days to do some research into the keto diet (very low carb, high fat) specifically finding ways I can adapt my baking to keto. I have always loved baking so I am really enjoying finding different ways I can still make yummy cakes and biscuits without refined sugars and flours.

Even so, the January blues are a real phenomenon, so anything which happens during this gnarly old month to lift the spirits is really welcome.

I was delighted yesterday, therefore, when I received a most wonderful letter from a lovely gent, 91 years young, called Denis, who knew my mum.

My mum and Denis had always corresponded since working together at the NatWest bank in Stowmarket in the 1940s. I was therefore sad to have to write to let him know that my mum had passed away last year. I did not put my address in the letter and I feel awful about this now as Denis had to go to so much trouble to write back. Denis typed two letters, one to the care home telling them about his friendship with my mum and asking if they would kindly forward the other letter to me. They did this so yesterday I had the sheer joy of receiving a very newsy, interesting and beautifully typed (I don’t think Denis has an Apple Mac) letter, detailing his life and his work, his friendship with my mum and how he was now on his own having lost his wife of 49 years to cancer and then his partner to Alzheimer’s.

He told me about the fun that they used to have working at the bank with their other work colleagues and the characters of the bank managers (one who was very much like Captain Mainwaring apparently). I could remember some of the names from mum, it was almost like having her back for a little while.

Denis, although now on his own, still had loads of friends as well as a sister in Colchester who is 96! He said that he gets about on his mobility scooter and hoped he hadn’t turned into a grumpy old man. It certainly didn’t seem so from the letter.

It really was like a little drop of sunshine in a dull old January – a cockle warmer – thank you so much Denis! I doubt you have even realised the joy that your letter has brought.

By the way, I have written back and hope to continue corresponding with Denis. In a world of bullying tweets and emails, a parliament in disarray, it is a beautiful thing to write and receive letters.
It may be old-fashioned but I really couldn’t care less.

Happy January everyone!
Wendy x