Books by the old Leather Chair

  • Snow In The Summer
  • My Bible
  • The Power of Silence
  • What Comes Next and to Like It
  • Encore Provence
  • A Year in Provence

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Angel Unaware

Moving to my wooded property about 18 months ago - desperately I needed help. I did not want to do it - but a few trees needed to be cut down to make a place for my cottage. Tree tops and brush piled everywhere gave the surrounding building area the look of a war zone. Also wanted the area a little more clear around my home.

I have always walked with clippers in hand, loppers and shovel in truck. I can no longer do much of what I have in the past. Even though I am a strong and reasonably healthy 110 lb lady - I find the cutting sizable branches is no longer a possibility for me.

This special lady and friend were recommended to me. Even though they stay busy most of the year working in an area orchard, I was fortunate they had some extra time.
They are the best. I view Francisco as being Superman. He is very strong, fast and knows exactly what should be cleared and what should be left to grow.
Sheila works right beside him and such a pleasure with her smile that warms my heart.

I work with them and it is such a pleasure. A pleasure working side by side with them and a blessing to get to know them. I smile that now I can understand most of what they say to me :)

This mother of 3 and who raised another 4 - to me has wings. Difficult to find the words for the admiration of her life and all that she has been through. Throughout her life she has worked from before daybreak to dark. The two children that I know well are in executive positions in the near by town.

She makes Sunday dinner - every Sunday - for family, extended family and friends. Several months ago I started getting a plate from her about once a month on Sunday. Excellent cook and introduced me to genuine Mexican cuisine.

I pull in the drive that is filled with cars. Walk in a small home that is filled with smiling people. I leave with a plate piled high, a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart.

This past Sunday - enchiladas with her homemade sauce - from the garden and frozen or preserved - corn, green beans and other vegetables. Burritos with her homemade guacamole, meat that has been cooked and shredded to perfection, re fried beans and salsa and other sides. I have to learn to make her rice and other dishes.

Would like to learn enough to be able to treat my children to a homemade Mexican dinner. Impossible for me to make this for one!!

Her daughter went to school with my youngest daughter - makes some of the best deserts. I have added the new recipes to my baking - pumpkin cake, apple dumplings and chocolate chip pie. These are just a few.

This family have become friends.

One of the blessings of moving to the country.

I wish I had the words to describe how special this lady has become to me. Then
a week ago she replied to me "thank you for being so kind to me." How can I not view her as one of the angels that just happen our way along our journey of life.

There is a scripture in the bible that describes a woman like "Sheila" it says her children shall rise up and call her blessed.

11 comments:

the wild magnolia said...

Reading this true story of your Angel Unaware was pure pleasure.

For this woman to have thanked you for being so kind to her, shows how unassuming she is of her own compassionate help.

Thank you for sharing!

Blessings.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

WM - she has a pure heart. Thank you for visiting.

Tabor said...

What a wonderful connection for the both of you. You were destined to share this part of your life. I am so happy for you!!

Sky said...

sounds like 2 angels flying in tandem to me!

Lonely Rivers said...

I have been wondering if my ability to appreciate (people, places, experiences,food,sounds, sights, smells) has suddenly kicked in. Things that used to seem ordinary minutes of life are now so much more special - (I can almost hear the angels singing: "take notice!") and my appreciation, wonder and gratitude soars. I think your posts have helped take me to this new awareness.

Beverly said...

Such a wonderful bond you have made with her and her family. Love when special people come into our life...

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Tabor, Sky, LR and Beverly
Thanks for commenting. Life is Good. Have a day filled with happiness, health, safety and peace.

lilalia said...

What an enchanting story of making a new fried, being blessed by her extended family, and, oh, envious, the wonderful food... a truly rare gift to be given to your days.

MsGraysea said...

You are so deserving of such beautiful friendship. I am sure she is honored to call you friend. What a lovely woman, and I could just smell and taste that delicious Mexican food from your description. Savor it all....truly a beautiful gift, and thank you for sharing this story with us. It is such a lovely addition to your move to the country.

Judy said...

Every now and then--like maybe once or twice in our lifetime we will meet such an extraordinary person and be so grateful in the knowing them. Thank you for telling your story. My mouth is watering for authentic Mexican food--it's been a while since I've had any.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Lilalia, Marcia and Judy, thank you for visiting and commenting.
Each comment is so true...