The Golden Gift that has Landed on our Doorstep

Dad-walnut

My cousins, Gene and Kathy, are here from the States visiting us. We have had spent hours talking, laughing and eating, of course drinking and visiting this church, that monument and a million charming towns.

Gene is a handy man. Yes!! A genuine, golden hand, H-A-N-D-Y-M-A-N!! A gem, a treasure, the best thing that has ever landed on my doorstep. He knows how to do anything and everything. I am so tempted to give him a hammer, a drill, nails and whatever else he would need to fix the things that need fixin' and do the "Honey-dos" that I have been begging that Non-Handyman French Husband of mine.

Gene is all for doing whatever I want him to do…. but I feel so guilty, okay sort of guilty to take him up on it. I mean gee… this is the first trip to Europe and all, and there is so much to see and do rather than do miscellaneous jobs for me….

But he is twisting my arm, and well, my guilt is growing weaker and weaker.

And Kathy, she is easy going, loves to do what I love to do best…talk! We have shared story after story! I think I might have to lock them up in the amoire just to keep them here for myself.

Family from Willows, I am so happy I could cry. Especially on this day, to have family near, those who were so very close to my Father. Gene and Kathy have many stories about my Dad…. Today marks two years that my Dad died. Two years….. how can that be?

They are the golden gift that has landed on our doorstep… like little miracles of happiness unveiling themselves to remind us that we are loved and never alone.



Comments

42 responses to “The Golden Gift that has Landed on our Doorstep”

  1. linda marcov

    Do not indulge in guilt my friend, it serves no one, WE ALL love to give to those we love and care about, allow your golden gift to help! How wonderful for all of you to have one another to share this time, and these precious memories,enjoy!

  2. Love and hugs
    Have fun

  3. Jeanette Mc. from Everton Terrace

    I know you know, it’s no accident you have Willows in your home today. I cannot believe it’s already been two years. I hadn’t long discovered your blog and my heart ached for you. How, joyous that you have loved ones with you to laugh and be still with today.
    DO NOT feel guilty about putting your guest to work. I’m guessing he loves it – my husband would. Imagine if you were visiting a friend and they asked you to help them sort through some old dusty trunks in the attic that hadn’t been opened in 50 years – same thing.

  4. Wow, two years. Can you believe it? Remember how many from home lost someone in those few weeks/months we did? There are a lot of “Two years ago, we lost….” happening in Willows.
    I’m so glad Gene and Kathy are there with you. Enjoy each other, enjoy all the sweet memories 🙂

  5. Gifts are like that sometimes, aren’t they? Sometimes they come wrapped in pretty papers with bows, and sometimes wrapped with family stories and tool belts. Enjoy the visit and the memories.

  6. You are truly blessed. My mom’s birthday is tomorrow and this is the 3rd one without her. I know how you feel.

  7. Have fun with your family! …and let that handyman have at it!!!:)

  8. Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

    Having lost my father 7 years ago I know how difficult anniversary’s can be. Hugs.
    So glad you’re having a great time with your cousins.

  9. So glad that your family is there to surround you with love today. Enjoy your time with them.

  10. AmyKortuem

    What great timing for a family visit. Memories are alive when they’re shared with loved ones. And if a man with a hammer came to my doorstep begging to be put to work, I’d feel not an ounce of guilt!

  11. Debra P.

    Time goes by so very quickly and I am glad to hear that today you can be happy. There is nothing like being with people we truly love whether they are family or not.

  12. True friendship is easily defined, when folk thoroughly enjoy sitting, visiting, and helping you out with odd jobs….no matter what country they’re in.
    Nice people!

  13. Margaret Bouwmeester

    Enjoy every moment and for sure take the help that’s offered, you can always reward them with a trip to one of the many wonderful bakery shops or the chocolate shops!!!!!!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

  14. Corey let them love you the way they know how, and if they don’t see and do all you’d like they’ll just have to come back! Drink that cup of love, it’s medicine.

  15. Don’t feel guilty – there’s no more welcoming thing for guests to feel at home than letting them be of use, help out and be themselves.
    My brother-in-law visits us from Australia and goes mad if he’s kept in guest mode, not being allowed to do anything – he is also a handyman, so we line up the jobs when he’s expected!

  16. I’m happy for you!

  17. Christine Wittmann

    I had to chuckle….I’ve got one of those “non handyman” husbands too, which is why I’ve become the “carpenter wife.”
    How lovely to have family from America! I recall how thrilled I was when friends and family showed up at the cottage in Ambleside during my years in England. I hated to see them go, because I got so homesick when they did. I was truly torn between my 2 homes. Enjoy your loved ones and reminisce about dad (I cannot believe it’s been 33 years since mine died.) Remembering helps keep those loved ones alive.

  18. Family can be such a treasure and what timing to have them with you on this anniversary. Let him do for you. Sometimes it is difficult to do that. Just rest and enjoy and laugh and cry.

  19. Christine

    Enjoy your blog immensely and look forward to each entry! I had to comment today because yesterday was the 10th Anniversary of my dad’s passing. I spoke with my brother who lives on the other side of the US and we both marveled that so much time had elapsed, yet we hardly noticed it! In fact, it could have been yesterday. You’re very blessed to have family with you at this time, it takes a lot of the edge off. Give them lots of hugs and let them hug you right back! It so helps! Remember the happiness.

  20. Corey, don’t rob Gene of a blessing. Let him hammer, nail, or whatever needs to be done. That is his gift. Your French husband as other gifts……….need I say more.

  21. My husband Kim’s Aunt Afton used to say ” When people work together, that is the true marriage of a friendship. All other is just the courtship.” Enjoy the marriage. And especially enjoy sharing the memories of your dear father.

  22. Brother Mathew

    Special folks indeed. Glad to see they made it to your doorstep safe.

  23. Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic

    Corey,
    I’m sure your cousin would be more than delighted to help out around the home and tackle those “handyman” projects that need attention. Whenever my brother comes to visit from Pacific Grove he just LOVES to keep busy with little projects and help out Mr. CCC around the house 😉 They take the request as a compliment!! Share the love…and the projects…lol 😉

  24. Oh, do take him up on his offers! Just think, if he’s such a handyman, there have been hours and hours that have gone into this specialty — meaning he probably enjoys those tasks. So in essence, you’re really providing him with entertainment, and doing him a favour. See, isn’t that a better perspective?
    😉
    Thinking of you on this day, remember all of the good times and the love, and your father has never left you at all.
    Love from Vancouver (and Finn!),
    Tamara

  25. Corey, how wonderful that you can share stories of your father with family today. Enjoy remembering the many good times (and then lock them in the armoire so you can get that honey-do list taken care of!).

  26. Two of the sweetest people I know. Its great when there are people like Gene and Kathy in our lives.

  27. What a heartwhelming story today. Sounds like you are having much fun. And while your sitting talking I would have the handyman do a few things. Have a wonderful visit.

  28. Lieselotte

    I can sense your feeling of happiness, and it makes me happy, too. ENJOYYYY !

  29. juilette Gigalkin

    Deeply happy for you <3

  30. ThroughtheMilkhouseDoor

    Family from Willows
    How wonderful
    Enjoy

  31. Birdbrain

    Two years for you, two months for me. I take great solace in knowing that your dad, my mom, Marie, Velma and Daniel are all together again. I imagine them having a beer or gin and tonic in hand, telling stories and laughing! They’re looking after us, maybe that’s why Gene is there looking for things to fix, kinda of like your Dad might do. Take care, sweetie.

  32. Kathleen

    So glad you have family with you at this time of your Fathers anniversary, nice to reminisce about old times. Take care and enjoy your guests.!

  33. Shyra Nelson

    How wonderful to have family near, even for a short time. Such treasured memories…thank you for sharing your heart with us! You have a gift of reminding us that the simple things are truly gifts! Blessings to you!
    Shyra

  34. Rebecca from the Pacific Northwest

    It’s my more-than-two-year anniversary, then, of following you and your lovely blog. I found you when googling photos of Provence (and I still love yours), and then was moved when you walked so transparently, courageously, through the challenges of your father’s illness and death and you shared all that with us.
    Blessings on you, Corey, and how lovely that a Father-remembering couple is there with you.

  35. Lorelei Lane

    OMGoodness, I just could not think of what was wrong with my day – and (gasp) I had been interrupted with work when I was going to read your post and here I am many, many hours later….. hello family from Willows.
    Put that handyman to work, Corey, he is the answer to your many prayers, laments, and wishes….

  36. Patricia

    My mother died November 9, 1976, and there has not been a single year I have forgotten that date! Something on that day always reminds me of her. My father-in-law is like your cousin – when he comes to my house he paints, repairs, etc. I feel bad because he is on vacation, but my husband said it makes his father happy to do all of this for us – so I let him with much appreciation. He is coming in June and I am picking out paint samples for my kitchen! But, when my in-laws visit I take good care of them – cooking, site-seeing, etc.

  37. Barbara (Australia)

    I lost a beloved sister suddenly nine months ago and the grief has been unbearable but my first Grandchild is due any day now and my excitment and joy is breathtaking. Life!
    Enjoy your wonderful cousins and celebrate this extraordinary journey we are all travelling.

  38. Relish the memories you all share. Hugs

  39. frenchgardenhouse

    Corey, I am so glad that they are there at this time. Even though it seems hardly possible that it has only been two years. Thinking of you, and remembering your Mom in prayer, too. xo Lidy

  40. Elaine L.

    It’s hard to believe it’s been two years. I’m so happy that you have family near.
    ~elaine~

  41. I’m so glad that Gene and Kathy are with you at this time to share wonderful memories of your father!

  42. jend’isère

    Real-time capture of flowers, foods, birds, music, conversation, silence, light…enhance the experience of using French hammar & nails. Not work, but a sensorial experience.

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