Wednesday 14 April 2010

Sheffield!

As many of you know, I lived in Sheffield for a couple of years.  That was a very tumultuous point in my life.  There were some things going on that I never want to go through again!  But, one thing that came out of that time, even as a direct result of those really tough times, was a deep friendship with M and J.  These people stepped in, weeks after their wedding, to be my family during a time when I needed family desperately.  I spent more time round their house than I did at my own during some weeks.  And, it was always at their invitation.  These people are wonderful.  I only lived 15 minutes down the road from them, but very often when I'd go round for dinner, one or the other of them would say, "You staying the night?"  I and I'd say, "No, I'll head on home after dinner."  And they'd reply with, "You staying the night?"  It got to the point where I actually kept a spare toothbrush and pajamas at their house!  J even went so far as to read my entire Master's Dissertation, much of which was written from their sofa.  I can never repay their generosity and love.  But some day I hope to be able to make someone else feel as loved as they made (make!) me feel. 

Anyway, the point of this ramble is that J is expecting their first child in about a week and a half from now, so I thought, right, I'm going to go up and see them before the baby comes so that I don't cause more stress.  And I'll go back up in the summer to meet Peanut (they don't know if they're having a boy or a girl, so they call him/her Peanut) after things have calmed.

So, I spent Easter Monday - Wednesday playing with M & J.  And it was lovely!  I hate that I now live a 4 hour drive away.  That's just far enough that you really have to stay over night, which means it's a pretty big undertaking to visit.  Of course, it's a heck of a lot closer than when they move to Australia (J's Australian.) or I move to the States! 

I had a fabulous visit to M&J's house.  And even got to spend some time with another friend, H, and her 3 kids.  Especially E!!!  She's the best cuddler ever.  Thanks for the warm welcome!  I can't believe it's been 4 years since I left.  It still feels like home in so many ways.  I miss you!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh no, Adele! Please do not ABCXYZ the people you write about. The Internet is a cold and impersonal realm as it is. If your friends do not wish to be identified, then write any name and go the '*names changed' route. Do you love your friends? Are you proud of them? Then why hold back, love? Flaunt them!

Chlöe

Adele said...

I don't usually initial the names. But, these particular friends don't have any internet presence, really, and to respect their privacy, I didn't want to use names. And, I can't keep track of pseudonyms, so I'm afraid you'll just have to ignore the occasional initial.

Anonymous said...

Appreciate the response, Adele. Privacy is first and foremost.

Your post about your friends was so moving, I was a bit taken aback by the lack of, uh, proper acknowledgement? We have such hectic lives, people have devolved to email ids and mobile numbers. We take much that others do for us for granted. We rarely thank people when they help us out. You are not one of those. That is why I reacted to the impersonal initials.

Your friends, M and J, are one of a kind. You are indeed blessed to have such friends. They obviously feel the same about you. :)

Chlöe

Adele said...

I always try to respond, Chlöe :) Yes, M and J are two of the most amazing people in the world. They exemplify what it means to have love for their fellow man (or, in this case, woman!)

And, thanks for stopping by, and taking the time to read and reply. As you say, the internet is a very anonymous place, and it's wonderful to know someone's out there.

Anonymous said...

I know you respond to every comment on your blog. A good, but sadly uncommon, practice. Yet I was slightly uncertain of how you would handle my comment, especially since this medium is not the best to discuss a different opinion.

I enjoy your blog posts because they are sincere, simple and sweet. Just like you, Adele. Keep up the good work!

Chlöe

Adele said...

Thanks, Chlöe! That's very lovely to hear.