I ended up watching a tribute to Nana Mouskouri last night on BBC4 which I surprisingly enjoyed. She had a pure voice, which I liked.
Now I have a colleague at work called Sioned . She is a sprightly, gloriously single Welshwoman who wears her nationality on her sleeve like a banner. For the five years I have now been at the hospice , she has been endeavouring in teaching me Welsh.
Suffice to say I’m better than I was at the start.
Sioned has a pure heart , she is a good nurse, an excellent one in fact and she is retiring very soon, much to everyone’s surprise.
I shall miss her
There is a story about the gift.
Perhaps three years ago, near Christmas and after supper, the hospice was darkened and quiet.
From a patient’s room Came the voice of a nurse called Nia, and she was singing Calon Lân very gently. For a moment we listened then Sioned who was stood by the office door gently joined in.
And all of the nurses and support workers stopped what they were doing to listen
It was a strange , moving, rather theatrical moment that I will never forget
Calon Lân literally means A Pure Heart in Welsh
A very thoughtful and unique gift John. I hope Sioned's mouth is more central on her face.
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly a sloppy bit of pottery, I wouldn't want it.
DeleteThe lovely pottery Welshwoman is singing YP....and knowing how Welsh words are strung together my mouth would look like that as well!
DeleteSioned is fiercely Welsh and she grasps life by the lapels
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DeleteWhat a lovely, heartwarming post. I wish Sioned a long, happy and healthy retirement. She's going to love the Welshwoman! xx
ReplyDelete❤️🐳🐋
DeleteI second the very thoughtfully selected momento.
ReplyDeleteIt’s the sort of gift I’d cherish
DeleteA really lovely gift. I am sure she will be very touched by the thought behind it.
ReplyDeleteI do too, after I almost lost my home sioned gifted me a small framed map of Trelawnyd with a heart embossed over where the cottage is
DeleteI remember you writing about that - it was such a great gift
DeleteWhat a lovely gift. The hymn is very stirring. I am proud to have some Welsh ancestry.
ReplyDeleteCymru am byth
DeleteOops..am I in Spam??
ReplyDeleteYou were
DeleteThe perfect gift for Sioned!
ReplyDeleteYou are a thoughtful friend, John. She will love the little doll.
ReplyDeleteThe video was very moving. Music and beauty and hard working pride all rolled into one short clip.
ReplyDeletegosh darn it. That was debby.
DeleteThat sounds like a wonderful memory.
ReplyDeleteI had a patient once, who was a opera singer, and she sang for the whole department. It was amazing.
It's so sad when good nurses leave.
ReplyDeleteLovely music, song, and memory from the theatrical night at work. You couldn't have chosen a more perfect parting gift for Sioned.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and the retired nurses from the hospice get together occasionally. As all nurse co-workers, but especially those who work critical care, together you've shared a lot.
Hugs!
I’m not a lover of trinkets , but sioned will be please no doubt , very thoughtful squire John
ReplyDeleteLee
That story touched me before, but now has new wings with the characters.
ReplyDeleteIt means SO much to have another person love you.
To me your gift shows love for her.
DeleteI met my husband in a boat called “Nana” i listen Colon Lan often. You choose such perfect gifts. Gigi
ReplyDeleteI’m pleased x
DeleteGreat story and a lovely gift for a special person. You were lucky to find the perfect gift. It carries lots of meaning for you and Sioned.
ReplyDeleteThat is the perfect gift for Sioned.
ReplyDeleteI thought so
DeleteThank you. The choir sent tingles up my spine.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a lovely hymn
DeleteWe sang it at auntie Gladys funeral
She will know why and what it means. Sad to lose this valuable sort of team member xx
ReplyDeleteWhen I managed to get a mortgage on the cottage it was sioned who bought me a tiny map of Trelawnyd with a heart over my address
DeleteYou are a loyal old soul arnt you John?
DeleteKeith
Xx
What a tender memory and what a perfect gift!
ReplyDeleteCalon Lân is a beautiful hymn. Your gift for Sioned is perfect on so many levels! Be well, John dear.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful piece of singing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Sioned will love it! When I left my last job, only my immediate boss gave me anything, and it was a Christmas cactus. A number of my colleagues and clients wished me well, but that was it.
ReplyDeleteNobody sings like the Welsh.
I like how the doll's mouth is off to the side.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect gift for her, you do choose well. xx
ReplyDeleteMy godfather was Welsh, with a perfectly deep rumble speaking voice, matched by his singing voice. I recall being comforted by him softly singing Calon Lân, as a child. The figure is perfect!
ReplyDeleteLovely hymn. The few Welsh people I know are all so proud to be Welsh and understandably so proud of their musical heritage.
ReplyDelete