Such friendship.

I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed.

I received a totally unexpected parcel yesterday from a dear blog friend, Carolien.

We have corresponded for many years, whilst in France we exchanged cross stitch patterns and continued when we returned to England.

We share an interest in stitching, patchwork and others.

It is strange how a connection becomes a close friendship, without ever meeting. Yet this is what I feel about Carolien, (one day I'm determined that we will meet)

I speak very little about my sweet husband, though you probably realise that after nearly forty years of a lovely life, the last few years have been hard , so hard for him. After a stroke in France he has become more and more frail, and now needs my constant care as well as Carers from a local agency three times a day.

I am used to doing everything now, making decisions, finances, medications, appointments, dealing with the day to day planning of life. It's not hard.

But I do get tired, and battling with both pulmonary fibrosis and polymyalgia with steroids,(recent) hasnt been easy.

Anyway, to the point of all this.

In my parcel was a most beautiful shawl, lovely gentle colours, just what I would have chosen had I ever thought of having such a lovely thing. Carolien had made it and sent it to me as a comfort.

She also sent a card with such emotive words that I shed a tear, which is very unlike me.

She tells me that there is a Dutch word - Mantelzurger- that means someone who takes care of a beloved one. Someone who is like a mantle around that person.

I am still overwhelmed.

I'm not used to people reaching out and doing things for me.

Thank you more than I can say, dear Carolien.
I'm wearing it right now, soft and gentle on my shoulders.