Last week we were the recipients of three food parcels. We stayed with my parents for a few days over half term and they sent us home with a box of delights: a bottle of wine, a small ham joint, sausages from the farm shop, good cheese, posh biscuits to go with the cheese, Italian tinned tomatoes, my favourite brand of tea, you know the sort of thing. They have always been very good to us when money has been scarce and we have learned to put our dignity aside and accept graciously as well as gratefully. "We've done you a food parcel," my mother said. "Is there a red cross on the box?" the Best Beloved replied. "I've put a map inside," my father joked.
On Saturday I went to a breakfast meeting and was given the surplus to bring home: croissants, yoghurts, strawberries and grapes. Delicious treats which I am eking out. Strawberries in November!
Then we were given a box of tins from the Harvest Festival collection at the parish church. When the curate rang to tell me about it, carefully and discreetly, I said, "I can't take them." She knew that I was embarrassed. "Yes, you can," she replied. She was right. I can. My cupboard is now full of tins of soup, baked beans, tuna, corned beef, you know the sort of thing. So I have just used some of those tins to cook tonight's dinner, ready to reheat when I come home from work: a pasta bake with tuna, sweetcorn and condensed mushroom soup. I went to the little shop over the road to buy an onion and when I placed it on the counter, saying, "Big spender!" and laughing, the assistant told me to take it and refused my coins.
Last week was half term so there was no work for the Best Beloved and so no income this week.
But today I am counting my blessings as the tears fall freely from my eyes because it has come to this.
Love, Mrs Tiggwinkle x
It's heart warming to hear of the generosity of the people around you. Hopefully things will pick up for you soon, if only you knew when that would be it would be easier. I'll keep my fingers crossed. x
ReplyDeleteHow dear people are when you expect it the least - so life-affirming and heart warming! I had to scroll down to read your last few posts, as I have missed them of late, and I do hope things look up for you very soon. I have certainly been there......Sending you hugs. xo Karen
ReplyDeletePeople can be so amazingly kind and thoughtful, usually when you least expect it. No wonder you are counting your blessings. I hope things pick up for you soon. Take care:)
ReplyDeleteGreat kindness, given well and well received! What could be better. I hope that things turn the other way for you soon, but I am glad to know that you are being cared for in the meantime. xx
ReplyDeleteYou're lucky to be surrounded by caring people. Years ago when my husband was in the Army and money was short my Mother-in-law would send us care packages that kept us going. We went so grateful. We've tried to pass this on to our daughter. She's a hard worker but through no fault of her own lost her job. We saw to it that she was ok and lacked for nothing.
ReplyDeleteLife does get better.
I strongly believe that your reap what you sow, therefore you must be a kind person too. I hope things turn around for you soon x x x
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs T, I do hope that things look up for you soon. Your parents sound wonderfully supportive and thoughtful souls. Sending a virtual hug to you xx
ReplyDeleteIts heart warming to know that a community comes together in your hour of need. Hope things turn around for you soon. Take care.
ReplyDeleteLovely post - I really like the way you write. One time - long ago - I was offered something extremely generous from a dear friend. Feeling a bit embarrassed I insisted that we couldn't accept it. She very sweetly said to me - please don't deny me this chance to give of my plenty. I've remembered that always - partly to remind me to help others when I can - and partly to to allow someone the gift and pleasure of giving. You give back when you can.
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