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An individual, of no great importance, who is unable to see the natural world as a place for competition. I catch fish, watch birds, derive immense pleasure from simply looking at butterflies, moths, bumble-bees, etc - without the need for rules! I am Dylan and this is my blog - if my opinions offend? Don't bother logging on again - simple!

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Tuesday 20 February 2018

Warms the cockles!

Ann is our neighbour, just two doors south of us, who is moving away due to external circumstances which have no place in this blog. It was soon after I'd got back from work that she was knocking on our door, a package in hand. Not something dropped off by a courier, oh no! This was a small black rucksack.
Invited in and sat with Bev and I in the living room, cup of tea in hand, we chatted about the forthcoming move and what that entails as she moves forward with her life. Just twelve weeks ago, Ann became a grandmother for the first time and she was full of it. Her late husband, Phil, wanting nothing more for himself. Sadly he passed away never achieving this goal, but Ann is very positive about life and how things happen for a reason. So back to that package! Phil was a keen birder, and it was Ann's wish that the contents of this bag were put to good use, rather than stuck in a cupboard. I think I was expecting a pair of ancient binoculars - not sure? What was revealed beggared belief. There, in this dusty bag, was a spotless Sigma 170 - 500mm (and I mean a fully functional, un-used version), a Sigma 55 - 200mm and Canon 18 - 55mm lens. "Could I use them?" Absolutely gob smacked - why? She told us that Phil would want them used for the purpose he bought them. They were gifted to me, because she hoped that I would be able to put them to good use. She had no idea I owned a Canon camera, yet fate had delivered a brilliant twist thus this outcome. Ann steadfastly refused any monetary settlement, so I offered a donation to The Salvation Army, of which she and Phil were members. Thankfully this gesture was accepted.
I nicked this image from E-bay, so not the lens that Ann has given me.
I really am unable to put into words the gratitude I feel because of this display of generosity. Having experienced the power of devout Christianity, as Mum and Dad left this mortal coil. I am, once again, finding myself asking questions!

8 comments:

  1. That's lovely gesture from your neighbour Dyl. As for the Christianity part, I personally follow the principles in relation to other people, while keeping the super-natural aspects on the back burner. I mean you never know.

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  2. Such a heart-warming and encouraging tale, Dyl. A world with more kindness and generosity would be a wonderful thing. I reckon there are a lot of us cheering Ann on and hoping (and, where applicable, praying) she settles and thrives in her new home!

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    1. Lucy,
      How wonderful to hear from you. Yes, if there were more folk like Ann, then the world would certainly be a better place. I was only thinking about how you were getting on, a couple of weeks ago, when I visited my brother's house in Bourne End. I drove along the road from The Magic Roundabout, crossing your beloved Boxmoor Common before following the boundary road, past Snook's Grave, and into Bourne End. I'm aware that you have since moved away, but because of your writing, I will always think of you when I'm in the area. Hoping you are keeping well? - Dyl

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    2. Hi Dyl, so lovely to hear about your visit to Bourne End and Hemel and be reminded of those landmarks. I miss it all like you wouldn’t believe. Unfortunately, I’ve been very unwell (I have various chronic health issues) for the last 9 months, since the house move, but I have to hope that at some point the rot will stop and I’ll begin to recover ;-). All the best, Lucy

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    3. Lucy,
      I have never been able to buy into the God Squad stuff, but do feel that there is something, far more tangebull beyond mortal existence, alone? I am hopeful that you will overcome the demons of your personal journey and, once again, be able to fully enjoy the natural gifts that have been bestowed upon us. I tried to explain the importance of the "Conker Trees" on Boxmoor, as I grew up. I really think you needed to be there - Bev couldn't grasp it, even though we ended up in The Top of The World - my local in the 1980's! Chin up and smile - Dyl

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  3. Dyl, what a heart-warming tale. It reminded me of something similar. When Rob was about 16 or 17 there was an angler called Joe who used to fish one of The Colne Valley pits that we did. Joe was a retired chap, and dead keen. One day he asked if I'd be able to pop by his house and collect some bits of luggage and whatnot, as he was upgrading some of his kit and wanted to pass on his old gear to Rob, if that was okay with me. To cut a long story short, Joe's 'cast-offs' include an original Nash titan bivvy with overwrap, in excellent nick, along with rod holdall, rucksack etc, etc! Speechless...

    You never forget such random acts of kindness and generosity, or the people responsible.

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    1. Gav,
      I was completely blown away by this act of generosity and, as you say, speechless! Hopefully, at some time in my life, I too will be able to behave in such a manner and make a similar impact upon someone else? We live in a world where the only news worthy of note revolves around all that is wrong with our society. Good news doesn't sell papers or make headlines any more. Fortunately, there are still many decent citizens who wish nothing more than live and let live - sadly the silent majority? - Dyl

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  4. Sometimes life shows how good people can be.

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