Weekend Reset in Edinburgh: Grief, Growth, and Quiet Wins

 

I’m still in Edinburgh, still wandering, still soaking it all in.

Over the past few days, I’ve travelled from Edinburgh to Dundee, Stirling, Inverness, Glasgow, and back again. I have so much to share from that trip, and I promise, the stories are coming.

But this weekend felt quieter.

It’s the weekend before the boys return to school, and because I’m not in Telford yet, I decided to slow things down and pour into myself a little.

So this morning started with facials.

I’ve been taking my skincare seriously lately, especially since I started breaking out around November. I’m not sure whether it was stress or lack of sleep, November wasn’t kind to my rest at all. At some point, I just decided I needed to be consistent and intentional.

And I have been.

I’m starting to see improvement, and I’m genuinely proud of myself , not just for the results, but for sticking to the routine.

I’ve also been paying attention to my hands. Handling balloons regularly took its toll on my palms they felt tight, dry, and uncomfortable. So I picked up a body butter from Lush. I’ve always loved their products, so it felt like a good place to start. The reviews were encouraging, and honestly, it’s working. My hands look softer, healthier, and less dry.

I’m really enjoying that small win.

But what truly made this weekend different was seeing my dad.

I know how that sounds. He’s gone. But there’s a picture of him at his graveside, and when I see it, it feels like seeing him, like a part of him is still there, listening.

I didn’t expect to cry, but I did.

I missed him deeply.

It was so cold, my legs, my hands, everything felt frozen, and I couldn’t stay as long as I wanted to. I wanted to tell him everything: the chaos, the growth, the moments he should have been here for.

Especially my proudest ones.

I wish I could have shown him my son’s first-term results because they were outstanding. My dad loved education. He would have been so proud.

I still told him.

I stayed longer than I planned, sitting in my car to warm up, going back again, crying, getting cold, and returning to the car. Eventually, I left.

But that moment stays with me.

I showed up.

I tried.

I told him I loved him.

I told him I miss him.

And I reminded him that there isn’t a single day I don’t think of him.

That was my weekend.

A reset filled with gratitude, reflection, cold hands, and a full heart.

I’ll be heading back to Telford later tonight, leaving around midnight and driving straight through. By the time this goes live, I’ll be on the road.

I’m excited for the week ahead. Are you?

How was your weekend?

With love,

Ayo ♡