Tuesday, January 17, 2017

The Kindness Of A Friend Not Yet Met

So Madame Padre is in hospital again, getting a nasty bug flushed out of her blood so that she can get back to chemotherapy and kicking cancer’s ass.  She’s doing well and getting stronger again, though the bug knocked her flat last week.

One source of her recovery was a care package that arrived from England yesterday, provided by one of the nicest ladies I have yet to have the pleasure to meet.  Cath Willey.  Cath of course is the genius behind the Secret Santa project, and her lucky husband is Ian, who runs the excellent Blog With No Name where his small-scale goodies beg to be admired.  Cath and I were exchanging emails about Secret Santa and she learned that I had been delayed in my gift project because of my wife’s illness.  Tell me about your wife, Cath wrote, and what she likes.  Well, err, that’s very nice, I said, ummm, cats, plants, knitting, crime novels ...

In due course, an envelope containing knitting needles, yarn,  a pocket diary with a cat theme and a crime novel about a cat arrived.   Cath quite skillfully covered all the bases.  As you can see, Madame was quite delighted, and when I said goodnight to her was busy starting to knit.

Cath, you are a lovely and kind person, and we can’t thank you enough.  The extraordinary thing, in my experience of the war-game blogging community, is that this degree of kindness is not unusual.  Kay and I have received similar kindnesses since she started fighting cancer, and we are always moved and deeply grateful.  Kay said to me, “I can’t believe that someone who I’ve never met would be so nice to me.”   I can believe it.  We have already paid it forward.

Be kind to one another.

Blessings,

MP+

19 comments:

  1. Great post mate. Keep up the good fight.

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  2. Touching post, Michael. Very sorry to see that Kay is back in hospital. Hopefully, not for long. Well played by Ms. Willey.

    Best wishes to you both.

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  3. Thanks for that uplifting tale, Michael.

    Best wishes to Madame P in her battle against the Big C.

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  4. Hope Kay is home soon. Cath only told me about her plans almost just before sending the package off, it is typical of Cath and yes I am a VERY lucky man.

    Ian

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  5. That is very kind and thoughtful indeed of Cath. Glad to hear that Mme Padre is in good spirits and hope that she is home and well soon :)

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  6. There are some great people out there.... wishing Mme Padre a quick return from hospital.

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  7. That is really cool! Great post Michael, excellent stuff Cath and all the best for Mme Padre.

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  8. Reminds me of one of those 'Coffee with Jesus' strips. The one about what were the greatest recent events. Here's one that would have made the cut, methinks...

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  9. I am sorry she is back in. You are both in our thoughts and prayers, an uplifting story.

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  10. Lovely present. Hold on... both of you.

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  11. With level of kindness in world, we all have hope. Great job Cath.

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  12. That brings tears to my eyes... I hope Mme will be home soon.

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  13. Sorry the Mrs is back in hospital but what a lovely post.
    Best Iain

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  14. Thank you all. I am very happy to report that Madame is home where she belongs. She was discharged yesterday, and I think Cath's package had a lot to do with her recovery.

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    1. Great news, now you need to spoil her a little,

      Ian

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  15. Wow , I certainly did not expect , nor do I think I deserve all of your very kind words for such a simple act. The only thanks I need is the lovely smile on Kays' face ,and the news that I brightened her day . So very pleased to hear that she is home and feeling much better. That news has made my day . xxx

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