Yesterday, I spent seven hours at college, most of it reading and writing notes.
Subsequently I slept well after settling down well after 9 .30 pm
I was up early this morning and walked the dogs
It is the first morning I could see my breath as I poked my head out from under the duvet.
It was the first morning that Dorothy had wormed herself under the duvet
I went out to buy food, and pulled Bluebell into a lay-by in order to concentrate on the first of the Reith Lectures on Radio 4.
An eloquent, disarming and articulate Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie spoke beautifully about the freedom of speech and for an hour I sat and listened to her wise words, almost without moving a muscle .
I love moments like these.
Yesterday morning, as I went to check on my laburnum tree in the churchyard I noticed a man bending over a grave. His posture looked odd and so it caught my attention and as I watched him , it took me a little while before I realised that he was actually hugging the gravestone.
I sensed he was talking away too
A bitter sweet moment,
Spied out of nowhere.
And only last night a friend sent me the link to this simple video made from a regular Ukrainian Soldier out on the front line.
Like the lecture by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and the vision of the man hugging the gravestone, the soldier’s simple honestly and genuineness was simply rather beautiful
I once made a simple memorial block for an elderly widower and asked him where it should be placed. I suggested in the middle of the grave, but he said he would always think that it was put there to keep her down, so it went at the head.
ReplyDeleteAnd I heard the Reith lecture by the woman whose name I would have to copy and paste. I fancy her for a number of reasons.
DeleteHer voice was like chocolate ..lovely
DeleteJohn. dear John -what wondeful moments - your word-pictures have brought tears to my eyes and smiles too (Dorothy under the duvet) - the soldier was particularly poignant. Thank you for this morning's post - a perfect example of the power of blogging. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteIt’s just nice to have you reading them pat x
DeleteThe words of the soldier touched my heart as he spoke of his Mom and home, plain but powerful speaking. May he and the others marching with him stay safe.
ReplyDeleteThat soldier has brought me to tears. If only the gift to the world this Christmas could be the end of war.
ReplyDeleteHe has a quiet dignity about him
DeleteSuch a special message from the soldier. TikTok has it's uses.
ReplyDeleteIndeed
DeleteEmbrace the special moments
ReplyDeleteAnd look for them dvid
DeleteTears stinging my eyes, here, too. The image of the man hugging the gravestone, then that video. You do know how to pull at our heartstrings. I hope the soldier's wish to be home comes true very soon. No more war - what a wonderful thought. xx
ReplyDeleteSat and sobbed please god he comes home safe x
ReplyDeleteAdichie is a brilliant author. I love her "Half of a Yellow Sun" book. I'll have to listen to that talk. Olga worms her way under the covers too!
ReplyDeleteI’ve not read any of her work as yet, I will di
DeleteDo
DeleteOh, how touching, one and all. May freedoms and free speech prevail, may the heartbroken be comforted, and may all of the soldiers everywheree come safely home. I can barely see to type.
ReplyDeleteTa, John.
Hugs!
Xx
DeleteThe true meaning of life is found in small moments like these.
ReplyDeleteLovely post. The soldier's message to all mothers made me well up.
ReplyDeleteOh, I hope there is peace for that soldier soon.
ReplyDeleteI too am teary eyed after watching that. x
ReplyDeleteHe has a simple dignity about him
DeleteSuch a beautiful man - may he stay safe and return home to his mother very soon xx
ReplyDeleteAmen
DeleteYou made me fucking crying again this morning John. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHappy days
DeletePeace and good will would make the world so much better for everyone. The tole from losses (death and denial of basic rights) weight heavy. Defending our freedoms will always be important to me.
ReplyDeleteHuman nature over rules everything
DeletePowerful post today, John dear. Soul stirring, touchingly beautiful, heart wrenching, and hope inspiring. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe video capped it ,
DeleteBeautiful ,book worthy.
ReplyDeleteNot mtpybstories
DeleteThanks for bringing it to us then.
DeleteGod Bless Ukraine
ReplyDeleteLet’s hope it’s over soon…
DeleteMy Myrtle cat spent half the winter worming her way into the bed. Despite me raising her from 200grams and feeding her 2 hourly for a solid 2 - 3 months.... I get the tail end and my hubby gets the lovely whiskery face end... without fail! I know one shouldn't get jealous but it's favouritism at it's most annoying. Hahaha.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless the soldiers of Ukraine may they all see their mothers and families soon.
Jo in Auckland
Albert with his bad leg needs a bit more warmth , he’s in with us too
DeleteThe mother did a fine job with that young man. War takes our finest. I woke before dawn to realise the power was off and house was freezing. Stumbled downstairs to get the dogs and bring them into my bed. They were delighted.
ReplyDeleteI’m waiting for a wood delivery so after the next log it’s bedtime
DeleteVery late for a log delivery😍know the feeling ….but generally ours are able to deliver on demand
DeleteAs a mother and a grandmother of men, I relate to the soldier's message from his mother's point of view and I cry for her in her anquish wondering if she will ever see him alive again. Oh, John, you do know how to touch our heartstrings.
ReplyDeleteThe message from the Ukranian soldier is wonderfully eloquent, full of meaning.
ReplyDeleteOh, that video. It is so perfect in its honest simplicity. Made me cry for all the soldiers, and for all the mothers waiting at home. What a world we live in.
ReplyDeleteI cannot understand Putin, nor can I understand the world's reluctance to bomb the sh*t out of Moscow.
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart the suffering of Ukraine and that video sums it all up. He does have a quiet dignity.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful message from the young man in Ukraine. So touching, may he and all the other people in Ukraine soon be free to enjoy normal life once more.
ReplyDelete"War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!" says the old song, how I agree.
My family history (or what is left) is from the people of this area but on the Polish side of the border. Too may wars smashing us through out the years. Seeing this soldiers post really hit at my heart. I follow several news reporters Ukrainian and Americans who are trying to keep us informed. It is just a very sad and strange time right now.
ReplyDeleteAfter all these years I always enjoy reading your post. I am happy that one day I found your blog from reading Weavers.
You "sensed" the man at the grave was talking? That's a bit far fetched even coming from you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing that podcast to my attention. How lovely to hear someone speak so eloquently . . . I will endeavour to listen to them all as they are broadcast now they are on my radar . . . .
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