Grace by coffee

In between much Land Law teaching today, I popped into a popular sandwich place for something to eat and, more importantly, life giving COFFEE. As I stood in line, my boss called with some crisis which required me to explain some boring aspect of Land law to a colleague. This probably caused me to look rather more harassed than I was feeling - though in point of fact I was well and truly sick of Land by this time, was tired because I couldn't sleep last night, really wanted tomorrow to get here now because I shall be doing something fun then, and Just. Wanted. My. Coffee. 

I finally placed my order, which arrived just as I managed to end the phone call. At this point, I discovered that the man who'd been in the queue parallel to mine had paid for my coffee and lunch along with his own! He hadn't waited for me to realise this, or to be thanked. He had just quietly done his good deed, smiled at me, and gone on his way. But gosh did his act of grace and kindness make my day! Now I just need to pay it forward...

Lost and found

Almost a year ago, something began which I thought would bring me joy. And it did, for a while. But very quickly, the situation took me (or I allowed myself to go) to a place of darkness, pain and sorrow. It was so bad that I stopped writing. I lost my words, part of the core of my being. I lost part of my self. Those who know me well will know how significant this was. When I go silent for too long, it's not a good sign. I went quiet, I went numb with the constant hurt, and I misplaced my backbone.

 

If not for the friend who asked me where the woman she knew and loved had gone, I might still be there. If not for the friends who loved me, supported me, let me cry, didn't judge me, fed me tea and cake, listened to me, kept me company, protected me, held my hand, helped me heal and reminded me who I was, I would probably still be a puddle on the floor.

 

Instead, I have returned! I am strong, beautiful, alive, happy! So, thank you: Charli, Tina, Simon, Tracey, Rob C, Rob M, Henri, Till, Maddy, Nat, Bethan, Emma C, Siobhan, Emma A, Elizabeth S, Jane, Yiwen, Suwei, Bobby, Zoya, Egle, Dominika, and many more. Like the stars, I know you're always there - wherever in the world we are.

 

Thanks to you, I was lost but now I'm found! And the words are back :)