...it has St Christopher on one side and Jesus on a cross on the other. I'm not religious, by the way. Not in any formal sense. I was christened Church of England when I was a wee boy and that's my religious history beginning & end. But this cross, to be worn around the neck, is a gift from a special lady and I treasure it.
When I was 18, I studied for my first year of A Levels at Upper School, rather than college. And we had the choice, in our timetables, to do sport or community service. Hello? Need you ask? So I became the gardener for a little old lady called Anne Grace. Over time, the hours spent gardening dwindled and the ones spent sipping tea, listening to her tales of India, increased. I was still doing my job, it just changed to that of friendship. She had few visitors other than family & I was a willing ear to chat to. Even with about fifty years age difference between us, we became firm friends.
Anyways, it was during this time, I finally passed my driving test (and that is a tale all by itself but for another day). And to congratulate me, Anne dipped into the few pennies she had and bought me this St Christopher. It never left my neck for the next few years. And when I stopped wearing it, I carefully placed it in a box and there it stays. One photo and one gift are all I have now to link me back to Anne and the memories they bring back. I'm a sentimental sod I know.
Until tomorrow
Px
8 comments:
Aw, that's a lovely story, Paul - well done, you and what a lovely friendship. In Sixth form, we had the choice, too and yes, I chose Comm Service, but I wasn't as well behaved (or mature) as you were :-( We girls just saw it as a good excuse to go into the nearest town and invade the café! What a treasure xxx
I have so enjoyed your postings and this one is just lovely. What great memories.
what a lovely tale of friendship and affection not to mention the high esteem in which you so obviously hold this dear lady. Its lovely to see your softer sentimental side. Who would ever have known..........
Oh, how very special your and her relationship must have been, Paul - and still is, because you still have this lovely cross. I am sure she would have been thrilled to know that you still valued it, and let us all know what a special lady she was too.
That is so lovely to read and it says so much about you.
Jo x
Paul what a wonderful memory. you dont have to be religious to wear a cross or other relic, just have faith. I'm sure your friend treasured the chats more than the gardening!!! xx
Nothing wrong with being sentimental Paul and thanks for a lovely story this morning. What a wonderful old lady she must have been and what a pretty cross she bought you.
I know what a caring person you are so it comes as no surprise to me that you have saved this all those years.
Hugs, Neet xx
Paul you say "I'm a sentimental sod I know" I'd prefer to say you have a heart of solid gold. Thank you for sharing your beautiful memory with us.
Mary Mac
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