WELCOME TO Val's Alentejo -I write about my region of Alentejo. My art ,painting, my cottages, Family life, my animals -Travels And my love for Roses- and rural country life.

Wednesday 27 August 2014

47 years ago today. Blog for my son Manuel.

It was around 8 pm ,as I can recall on a wednesday  .   Calling  to Manuel.-  "Lets be off, Ohh Ohh, my  contractions have started".  Hospital bag was ready.  Off we drove to  "Mother's Hospital" about 20 min away, in Durban City. -  
Manuel jnr. was born at 10.30pm that same night. (arrived just in time)
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What joy it was to be told- " its was a boy"- Manuel snr, as you can imagine, was beaming from here to there. 
  In those days.   We never asked what sex it was.  Maybe the modern day machines were not out then.!  It was a normal delivery . Very quick . Manel  was born 9 and 3quarter pounds.. yes..!!! He was a big   Was kept in the incubator overnight.. and was presented to me early the next morning.  I remember, just holding him in my arms, as the tears ran down my cheeks. Another blessed gift from our dear Lord. 
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I remember the midwife, used to listen to my tummy to hear if baby was still ok and heart beating , checking me over . The midwives did everything in those days.    Using  a long device she would  put  her ear to my tummy .   I am sure many of you will remember this.!  
  Mother's hospital, was run by the Salvation Army.  It was a wonderful small , but well run maternity hospital.  
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 Sadly, on my last visit to S.A   5 years ago.. I found out that a big new building was erected where Mothers used to be.  I can tell you, it brought a few tears again to my eye.  Two of my children had been born there.  I went along to see it to take some photos. Sad in a way. 

47 years ago today.. My eldest son. Manuel Francisco was born.      We named him after  great grandfather-grandfather  and father Manuel.
MY THREE WONDERFUL SONS.  MANUEL IS ON THE left of the photo . FILIPE (my youngest  in the middle ) and MIGUEL on the right.     I AM BLESSED  , SO VERY BLESSED.    THEY ARE SUCH LOVING BOYS.   MOST OF ALL IT MAKES ME HAPPY TO KNOW THAT ALONG WITH THEIR SISTER- ANTONIA, THEY ARE THE BEST OF PALS..  AND SPEND HOLIDAYS  AND MANY MOMENTS TOGETHER.
They light up my life.
Manel 's career has taken him on many a journey through the years.   Traveling the world.
He holds a high position  within his working world.
He smiles all the time- generosity goes without saying. As my eldest son.. he has been my right arm, and still is.
I love them all. 

                                                     The sun made a shadow.. Manuel with his son Max, at 2 or 3 months old.  Now he is bringing up his own children-  That in itself is a joy to see. A loving doting father and husband.
                                                                   I love this photo of Manel.  - ( Here I must tell you all , that Manuel in Portuguese, is usually shortened to Manel.)  So Manuel jnr.. is Manel.
                                                     Manel and Heleen- taken a couple of years ago.     Happily married for 23 years.    Today, Manel will be celebrating with Heleen, his brothers and his three children.. Audrey Marie, Thomas Alexander and Max Stanley.   I can imagine what they will all be up too.. ):-
A rose for you my Manel. Thank you for always being there for me. 
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             Manel, has led an extraordinary life.    Learning to sail with his father at the tender age of 8.. by age 9, he managed the helm like a true helmsman -   He has skippered for friends in the Adriatic, and Ionian seas.   Sailed the mediterranean sea many times.      Sailed the seven seas with us all.. on our beloved " Scally"- he learnt all he knew from his father.   Manuel was a 1st class seaman having been in the Portuguese war Navy.  He too sailed the world.

He is probably sailing now today... somewhere way up high.    (he is missed)

Manel has   sailed the coast of Spain and Portugal up and down, during his teen years.  He has never stopped sailing, when time allows he  will be sailing.
                                                                              .....
     In February of this year- He sailed his beloved "phenix" to Tobago. in the Caribbean islands.
   Starting from  Lisbon to the Canaries-    Then from the  Canaries to Cabo Verde Islands.     From Cabo  Verde Islands  - direct crossing to Trinidad and Tobago.   -  "Pheonix" is now moored in Tobago.

My son in Law Paul,  my son Filipe and my grandson Thomas were crew.  So much to share with us on his return, what a great time they all had together.
  His departure was delayed.. due to the sudden death his father, who was going along with them.    
 We thought that maybe he wouldn't sail.. but it was his father Manuel's  wish , that he sailed.

    As a family, we have had and still lead a life so full, full of love and generosity, of  tales and  adventure .    A full life indeed.

"S/Y Phenix" 76 ´ft  Bermudan sloop.  Boy does she fly.  photo of her anchored  in the med.
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Wishing you all a very happy Wednesday.  
Thank you for all your kind comments on my last post.   

Val. 

20 comments:

  1. Congratulations to your son on his birthday. I always enjoy reading about your family, you are all so close. Manuel was a big baby I thought 8lb 10 was bad enough! I love your new header. it is taken in such a beautiful light. Thank you for your words of comfort. Sarah x

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    1. Thank you so much Sarah,
      I am pleased you liked my post, and my header.
      Manel liked it too.
      My second son was 8 and half pounds.. Manel was bigger.
      I am thinking of you Sarah. Its not easy to loose a friend. xxx

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  2. Manel is a handsome man, and a great sea farer too. Like me, he is a Virgo - a Very Happy Birthday to your son who I know is kindness itself to his dear mother.

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    1. Thank you Rosemary.. Manel has the kindest of spirits. Indeed he is a Virgo.
      You are getting to know me Rosemary.. indeed he is..
      xx

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  3. Nice memories and Happy Birthday to him. You have a lovely family!

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  4. I hope he has a very happy birthday. I was born at a Salvation Army hospital too here in our home state. They do not have hospitals now though.

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    1. Thank you Betty for your well wishes for Manel.. How amazing, that you were born in a Salvation army hospital.
      I think the Salvation army dont run hospitals any more.!!

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  5. Wonderful tribute. Your family has the most interesting adventures! I can feel all the love. xo, Jen

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    1. Thank you Jen.. I am pleased that you enjoyed reading this post. and about my Manel..xx

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  6. Hello Valerie
    Thanks for sharing this interesting story of your life and Manel's entry into this world.
    S/Y Penix is a beauty and looks seaworthy. With your experience at sea Val, I am sure you are also a good sailor.
    Hope you have a great week

    Helen xx

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    1. Hello dear Helen.
      I am so pleased that you liked this post .. Manel liked it too.
      We are all sailors. Of course , I am retired and only sit and enjoy my sundowner's.. The hard work is for the younger ones. Phenix is a fine yacht.
      xxx

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  7. Dear Val. What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing such important events in your life. And thank you also for sharing the lives of your remarkable children who each and everyone of them have achieved so much success yet have stayed close to you and to each other. Happy Birthday to Manel.

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    1. Thank you so much Gina.. Its a boost to read such a kind comment.
      We are a close family. When i know i am going to visit.. i get very excited.
      xx

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  8. Your pride of family comes shining through. Lovely tribute to your son!

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    1. Thank you Carol.
      This post I will print out.
      Manel is a wonderful son.

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  9. Dear Val,happy birthday to your beautiful son!I really enjoyed your sweet memories!
    Thank you for sharing!Hugs!
    Dimi...

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  10. What a wonderful family life you have had. I hope your handsome son has a wonderful birthday. He has such a kind and loving mother how could he be any other way except the best?

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    1. Dear Sanda,
      Such a kind comment Sanda.. Thank you so much.
      Always so nice to see you over my blog. xxx

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