They draw one's attention,
They draw in warmth .
and they generally galvanise a sort of reciprocal "positivity" in people they come in contact with.
Early this morning I popped out to deliver a weekly order of eggs. I took William with me and as we negotiated the village "green" we met a smiling Mr "Jones" as he crossed the street on his morning constitutional. Mr Jones is one of those elderly men, who dresses carefully, wears a scarf and hat when out and when he calls a lusty "Good Morning" you just know that he actually means it.
William adores him,
As we meet, the Welsh terrier noticeably starts to skip and will stand up, leaning against the old man's knees, searching his face for a smile and a greeting that he knows is coming.
Animals like people , love genuine warmth when it is offered them.
Mr Jones reminds me of my grandfather.He had a big heart and a gentle way about him too and when I was a child, it was my grandparents that provided the warmth,consistency and sunshine that was lacking in our rather dour home lives,
Watching Mr Jones laughing as he ruffled Williams beaming and eager face , I was transported right back to those childhood days when grandparents were always our heroes.
....and I realise that I enjoy meeting Mr Jones just as much as William does
Lovely post. Thanks for sharing some of the warmth.
ReplyDeleteA feel-good post, I'm feeling the warmth.
ReplyDeleteMy grandparents were my heroes and stability in my life also, especially my grandma.
A lover of animals, children, waifs alike, she fed anyone gracing her doorstep with a custard tart and a cup of tea.
I think you are a lot like your granddad John.
~Jo
Ah Bless Mr Jones . My Grandad was the same too - I miss him every day. I rapped my knuckles with a ruler for not paying enough attention yesterday. x
ReplyDeleteLove it. Give William an extra hug from me today okay? My little Hootster is curled up next to me here as Patrick readies for work (it's almost 4am here). Hope you're well. xx
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine's father sounded like Mr Jones. His grandchildren (and children) loved him, and so did animals - despite the fact he was a farmer and game-shooter. Amazing, especially because he was tortured by the Japanese in WW2, in Changi Gaol.
ReplyDeleteBoth my grandfathers had passed before I was born. A pity. From what I heard, they were much nicer than most in my family. :0(
ReplyDeleteThat's the true beauty of animals John...there's no faking it with them.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written piece...I wish I had know my grandparents better.
Warm and nicely written sir... Perhaps if you crouch down with your tongue hanging out, Mr Jones will ruffle your face too!
ReplyDeleteAh what a lovely post! I`m feeling the warmth too!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean John. My grandparents impacted our lives in a huge way. I think we all strived to make our homes as warm and loving as theirs.
ReplyDeleteI can picture your sweet dog lunging closer to him.
What a heart warming post...the world needs more Mr Jones!
ReplyDeleteVillage life eh? The best there is!
ReplyDeleteGood morning John!
ReplyDeleteLoved this post as it was close to my heart too. My Nana was from New Castle Upon Tyne..I loved her accent and she and my Grandfather raised me. Everyone loved my Grandparents as they were like your Mr Jones...honest and genuine. I think Jo (ABIT)is right...and you are a lot like your Granddad. I hope you're having a lovely spring week...
Maura :)
Very nice! xxxx oooo
ReplyDeleteWell written. I did not know my grandfathers but one of my grandmothers owned a farm and we would spend our summer holidays with her. I have only wonderful, love-filled memories of this lady, my gramma. I think you may have 'the good' in your grandfather passed down to you by the sounds of it. I know my love of animals was nurtured in the early days of watching my grandmother. Thanks for posting, John. I will think of her a lot today. I live in a small town and there are 'characters' that I truly love, here.Hugs, Deb=^..^=x5
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Quite often, I think, the older generation are the ones who seem to know best what are the most important things in a life. We get so harried by modernity.
ReplyDeleteFunny if you were talking about my dad now i am intrigued
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this with us, John. :)
ReplyDeleteWilliam is so adorable, how could someone NOT want to love him?
ReplyDeleteA very pleasant post, John, thanks for sharing :-)
ReplyDeleteWilliam is definitely smiling in the photograph. Isn't it wonderful how some people can quite unknowingly brighten the day of both man and dog.
ReplyDeleteLovely post, John. Ah, those sunny souls who eagerly share their warmth with others! What an impact their artless kindness makes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for brightening a snowy day here.
megan
Oh those sunny, warm people! Love meeting them them too.
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here smiling at the computer. Lovely post. And yes, William is adorable!
ReplyDeletePuddin'.
ReplyDeleteSuch people are special - they pass on their warmth somehow. I suspect that you are also as equally warm a person.
ReplyDeleteThat is neat. Just a wonderful thing to have people like that in your life...
ReplyDeleteCat
Very nice! I'd like to be just like Mr. Jones.
ReplyDeleteAnd I realize that I get that same warm feeling from reading your posts, John. xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, warm post! Makes one smile just reading it!
ReplyDeletethanks guys!
ReplyDeletecathy does your father come from trelawnyd???
Lovely moment to share with us. My grandmother was my shining star from my childhood as well. I felt I could never dissappoint her. Miss her every day.
ReplyDeleteYour pup is adorable and I am sure his visits are a highlight to Mr "Jones" day.
take care
I was fortunate enough to have know two granddads and a grandma and loved them all.
ReplyDeleteWish someone like you would pop over and deliver some fresh eggs.
ReplyDeleteAh, a lovely little post. Great photo too!
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