In the last year I have been shown unparalleled kindness from virtual strangers and my "in the flesh" friends. When things first kicked off last year and I ended up going back and forth for diagnostic tests hours away from home some lovely people from a forum I used to frequent a lot decided to do something nice. When you've spent more time on trains and in random hospitals (3 different ones in two weeks) than you have at home, and having spent a months wages on travel and subsitence while there, the fact that people I'd not met for the most part cared enough to help reduced me to tears, the kindness overwhelming. Their kindness gave us enough of a buffer for us not to default on the mortgage, and left money for fuel for my partner who spent up to 5 hours a night on the road to go see me when I was in hospital for my surgery.
Kindness comes in many forms, be it a card, a text to ask how you are or a phone call, my visits were few and far between other than my partner but it was so much appreciated to see a smiling face and have a hug. You miss those sorts of connections when so far from home, and a hug from a "ward mate" is comforting but not quite the same.
Post flowed in for me while in hospital, even bouncing between wards and the thought and care that went into them was lovely, earplugs for when the flatulance orchestra gets too loud were greatly appreciated, but to know someone cares brings a smile.
Currently on my bed is a masterpiece,again this was created by the lovely ladies of the forum and it's beautiful patchwork crochet and knitted blanket, in vibrant colours and patterns it's beautiful, with the words forum force emblazoned on it. Forum force is something someone would ask for on behalf of themselves or someone else in a time of need. The blanket symbolises to ne the friendship and connection we all shared through a place where many of us wasted many hours and years, but it never was a place just about soap. It was a community, a group of friends and I'm pleased to say I can call those ladies (and gents) friends.
They have listened, shown understanding, stopped me from panicking and generally held me together. There never really will be enough ways to say Thank You, but I hope they know how much of a difference they have made my life and in making a proper crap year, bareable. I will pass forward their kindness and generosity where I can in the future.
*here ends a really soppy post*
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