Saturday, June 25, 2011

A thank you for a bitter sweet gift.

                A couple of friends, Helen & Lee unexpectedly came by today to drop off a belated gift for our wedding anniversary. It was hand made be Lee and was a surprise totally out of the blue. But why bitter sweet I hear ye ask? (yes I am telepathic, so be very careful what you think when reading me blog..). Well firstly let me show you the gift;-



           Yep that's right, a hand painted picture of our beloved Lucy. Even though myself and Clare have never truly got over losing her at the end of last year the six months since her passing had dimmed the sense of lose which only would creep up on us when something simple would spark a memory of her. So yes it was a bitter gift in a way, bringing tears to both our eyes. 


         But the sweetness and thoughtfulness of this gift far out weighed any other feelings. To receive such a present was absolutely breath taking for the both of us. It is a rare occasion when I am lost for words, and an even rarer event for it to happen to Clare ;o), but this gift did just that. So a heartfelt thank you to Helen and Lee for perhaps one of the nicest and most thoughtful gifts that we have ever received.


         For interest Lee stole the picture from my blog here, and I think you'll agree that it's an exceptional conversion from blog picture to canvas.


Till the next time, take care all,


John

24 comments:

John Going Gently said...

I would have cried when I saw it

murphyfish said...

Thanks John G.
It's a bugger when things like this happen, plays havoc with me manly image....

Gorges Smythe said...

I know how you feel, John. My wife and I sometimes still get bleary-eyed when we talk of the little dog we lost three years ago, though we dearly love the one we've now had for two years. Your friend is talented and thoughtful. She will be blessed for her kindness.

Bob Mc said...

Dang, I've got a lump in my throat and I never even met her.

Karen Thomason/Gordon Setter Crossing said...

It's beautiful. So much Lucy. I understand why it made you sad. One day, when your heart isn't so tender, you'll look at the picture and smile. It gets better from there.

The Suburban Bushwacker said...

He made a lovely job of the conversion to canvas, sad tale, but nice work. Maybe a bit too early to have it up in the house?
SBW

Jennytc said...

Me too. It took me three years to come to terms with losing my last dog, Lucy, so three years before I could think of getting another.

CDGardens said...

Ah for the sweet remembrance of a past dear friend...A very special gift.

Sage said...

What a clever and thoughtful present, it has captured Lucy perfectly xx

Kath said...

Oh lord, I would have been blubbing all over the place. Just the thought of losing one of mine, brings tears to my eyes.
What a fabulous job Lee did, a gift to treasure.

spotted face said...

Awesome friends you have there, John. Great painting to boot.

murphyfish said...

Thank you all for your kind words and understanding.
John

2 Tramps said...

What a touching gift from such a talented friend! It has been over two years now since we lost our Angus. Now we have Chucky and we think of Angus more often than we thought we would. Chucky is a wild pup while Angus was quite elderly at the end of his days. We do long for a dog that can settle down a bit!

murphyfish said...

2 Tramps - the differences between Lucy and Willow are in a similar vein, it's easy to forget just how 'in a routine' and older dog becomes - bit like an old slipper I guess. I said I would not compare Willow to Lucy but inexorability it does happen.

Keith said...

I think part of your feelings is prompted from the very fact that you have a friend who was prepared to put so much work into this just for you. Good friends, real friends are hard to come by. You are a lucky man John.
Regards, Keith.
http://woodsrunnersdiary.blogspot.com/

murphyfish said...

That I am Keith, that I am...

Meanqueen said...

It's a wonderful picture, brought tears to my eyes as well. Doesn't take much to set me off, anything to do with animals and I just melt.

Damn The Broccoli said...

It is a fantastic picture, you must tell Lee how good it is from all of us, but I am sure you already have.

murphyfish said...

Thank you MQ

He's already been told Damn, but I'll still pass it on my friend.

Anonymous said...

Wow. That is an amazing gift! You are certainly one lucky man John, but I'm sure you know that.

Here's raising my glass in remembrance to a four legged bog monster who stole all our hearts and will be forever missed.

Cheers.
Kari

murphyfish said...

Thank you Kari, I know that your words come from the heart.
Great to 'hear' a comment from you I'll have to mail you soon and play catch up me dear.

Frugal Living Uk said...

She looks like such a beautiful dog and it is a very lovely gift even with the sadness it brings. The loss of a beloved animal hits very hard and long but what a lovely way to remember her.
Regards,
Dan

Leigh, Andrea Leigh Gil said...

What a beautiful gift and so very thoughtful! Wishing you the best.

murphyfish said...

Dan,
It does allow the pain to resurge a tad, but the good memories far out weigh the pain.

Hey Leigh,
Thank you my dear friend