A Rose , A Puffin, The Women’s Institute Concert and a 24 year old thank you!

 I’ve talked of serendipity a great deal on Going Gently over the past two years .
It’s a phenomenon that has swing into my life like the pendulum of a great clock
And like a good clock, it’s presence has been timely.

Last night’s shift was a busier one than normal. I was knackered afterwards , and when I had breakfast this morning, I ate left over coriander salad with chicken out of the side of my mouth as I leaned sleepily across the kitchen table still in my uniform
I looked down at Dorothy who was licking her lips from her position in Winifred’s arm chair and told her to bugger off 
“Its been an emotionally  tiring week!” I told her, but unlike Winnie she didn’t understand my words and just looked guilty.
Winnie would have nodded benignly and would have mew mewed me a kiss.
I was in bed only ten minutes before a rather gorgeous delivery driver knocked on the door
The box was large and contained a standard rose for the garden.
The roses depicted on the accompanying label were old fashioned yellow and scented and called “ Winnie” a gift from my friend Colin 
A wonderful gift , and one that couldn’t be more timely 

The girls and I went back to bed feeling happy and warm.
An hour or so later another delivery man knocked .
He left a small square package, a gift from another friend
The card accompanying it said simply a puffin for an old dear poof...add it to that bloody art wall of yours



I returned to bed and slept.
When I  did eventually woke I noticed a message on my phone from the Trelawnyd WI .
They have organised an on line Zoom concert for Monday and wondered if any of the villagers wanted to join in. The singer is Iona Fyfe https://ionafyfe.com/
So there is Monday evening sorted ....village elder Ian says he’s quaffing craft ales during the concert.
I think I may have some gin left over in the fridge.

Iona Fyfe


Tonight I feel much brighter because of the rose bush, and the puffin and the concert.
And of this short note which popped up tonight from Facebook messenger 

“Hi John, you probably can’t remember me but I was an inpatient at sheffield spinal injuries unit in 1996/7, at the same time that the then nikki Claxton of gladiators came was there. I was just chatting with another fellow inpatient of the time,  and he mentioned the sheffield SIU friends page and there you were! You were such a terrific charge nurse and helped me and my family through what was an incredibly difficult time so 24 years later, a big Thank you to you for really making a difference all those years ago.

I hope this finds you well.Best wishes, Amanda”

How lovely!!!! a thank you message 24 years “ late” but like the rose bush, and the puffin and the concert invitation...oh so timely.

Serendipity? Perhaps ?....it’s a funny old thing

43 comments:

  1. Barbara Anne12:55 am

    Your deliveries and email from caring friends were excellent, timely, and just right in every way! I didn't realize there was a type rose named "Winnie" but am glad Colin did.
    "Serendipity" is one of my favorite words.

    Big hugs!

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    Replies
    1. There's also a rose called serendipity!

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    2. Barbara Anne2:56 pm

      Interesting! Ta, Adie!

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  2. I think John you may have had a rather good puffin perfect day in perspective x

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  3. Glad your day turned out so well.

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  4. Lovely and thoughtful gifts and thanks.

    Can we see the rose's label/photo? I looked for a Winnie rose, but couldn't find one, I d love to see it. What an amazing find from your friend!

    Lizzy x

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  5. The universe is showering you with love and appreciation right now -- lovely!

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    Replies
    1. And the power of positive thinking too

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    2. See, I never really believed in positive thinking, but then again... Can't hurt! 😏🤷‍♂️

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  6. Wow, what a lovely bunch of surprises! You deserve it all. I especially like the sound of that rose bush! 🌹

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  7. Timely serendipity indeed. :)

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  8. A very good day, by the sound of it. How very kind of that lady to thank you after all that time. You have no idea how much you affect people's lives; well done.

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  9. If you put good out into this world, it returns to you. I think that you're seeing that very thing.

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  10. The rose bush has touched me enormously. What a kind and thoughtful gift.The puffin made me smile. Be gentle with yourself John. x

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  11. A nice feeling when good things happen one after another.

    Our front door opens into the living room. A while ago, we were both sat drinking coffee watching TV when a delivery person knocked on the door. We both simultaneously showered ourselves with thankfully not-too-hot coffee.

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    1. Oops! Sorry, Carruthers, but that made me giggle. I'm glad the coffee wasn't too hot.

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  12. Sounds like a lovely day. The rose sounds gorgeous, such a beautiful way to remember Winnie.

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  13. Just lovely. Thank you for sharing with us.

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  14. What a wonderful thing to do to send you a 'Winnie' rose. It tugged at my heartstrings. x

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  15. What cheek...you're not old!!

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  16. How good the 'night' turned out to be John. X

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  17. Serendipity indeed ! I myself had just finished mentioning Winnie in a Christmas card I will be sending you before reading this post, my name is Amanda ! X

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  18. Such lovely things to have happened. The rose will be wonderful to remember Winnie by. I hope more lovely things happen for you in the weeks ahead. x

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  19. What you give off, you get back, a lifetime of improving others lives . . . the best . . .

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  20. No what goes around comes around. What lovely thoughtful people and some lovely gifts you are indeed blessed x

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  21. It’s a wonder you didn’t drag the vision on the doorstep into your bed, or were you too tired?

    Sad to hear of Winnie’s death, I did try and comment but I have been having a bit of bother with my equipment! The old girl had a stylish exit, only she could have done it with such aplomb. Good gett’em girl...

    LX

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    Replies
    1. Go, that should have been, this blooming machine... or is it me?

      LX

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  22. Such lovely, thoughtful gifts and how nice to receive the thank you message just at the time you needed a little boost x

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  23. a busy day at the little cottage! cute puffin!

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  24. What a coincidence! With all you do and all you share, YOU are a gift that keeps on giving. Thank you. :)

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  25. Yes, Pooh, a funny old thing.

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  26. Time has its rewards :) And kindness. Love the roses. And the Puffin. Have a lovely.

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  27. Words of gratitude are never late and are always welcome. More reminders of how much love surrounds you. Just the tonic you needed, sans gin. X

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  28. I think all of you front liners should be thanked daily!! You are true heroes.

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  29. Life is a funny old thing indeed. Sending hugs.

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  30. In the words of an old aunt - everyone gets their just reward in the end.

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  31. That thank-you message is wonderful.

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  32. That's lovely,a Winnie rose!

    My Pippin was cremated and part of her ashes were used when we planted a Lilac on the spot where she liked sunbathe.

    Our Laddie is 14.5. When he passes (and I hope he has a home death) he to will be cremated and will have a Plum Tree in his honour. The current Plum has died and my boy loved to lick fallen plums and lie under it's blossoms

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  33. Amazing how sometimes things happen at just the right time.

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  34. Perhaps we get the messages when we need them. They are not late they are right on time.

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