Barb Taub pays tribute to the absolutely wonderful Arran community who pulled out all the stops to create a magical and memorable meet up for Sue, Barb and me. We might not have been able to hug each other but there was a lot of love and laughter (and a few tears) thanks to the amazing folk on Arran
Then catch the moments as they fly,
And use them as ye ought, man:
Believe me, happiness is shy,
And comes not aye when sought, man.
—A Bottle and a Friend, Robert Burns
A thank you letter to Arran.
Some weeks ago, I turned to Arran, the small Scottish island I call home, for help. Two friends and I had hoped to get together on Arran last April. Because of the pandemic, we postponed it to this year. But between continuing covid restrictions that left me marooned in Italy, and life-threatening health issues that came up for each of my friends, we realized that wasn’t likely either. (You can read about their personal, sad, funny, and amazingly life-affirming cancer journeys on Mary Smith’s Cancer Diaries and Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo.)
The solution, for anyone who has ever lived on Arran, was obvious. I posted a message on the island’s…
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What a lovely thing to have done, Mary… I read all the accounts. The good side of humans, and the wonders of technology! Hugs
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It was lovely, Marina – allowing us a very special memory.
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I just love this. What a special thing to do. xo
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It really was, Darlene.
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How absolutely lovely, so glad this happened for you.
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It was wonderful – a precious time of laughter and love and just being able to see each other.
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I skyped my friend stuck in Spain last night, it was wonderful, and amazing how wonderful it was!
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Did she get to see her cat?
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No Vincent was asleep in the spare room and Winnie was being naughty somewhere 🤣🤣
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Something very special, for two very special ladies. The joy of a community coming together when needed, and a generosity of spirit that brings a tear to my eye.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks, Pete. We all shed some tears, I can tell you – but there was also much love and laughter.
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I’m a puddle now. And I’m so happy for the three of you.🤗
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Thanks, Kim. It was quite amazing – these people don’t know me or Sue but came together to provide gifts and photos and music. I’ve used up a fair few tissues since it happened.
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It is lovely that you managed to meet, even if it was virtually. So many people coming together. Very moving and beautiful. Thanks for sharing it, Mary.
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It was really lovely, Olga. It deserves to be shared so people can see what a fabulous community lives on Arran.
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It was so very wonderful. (But I still miss the hugs!)
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Me, too. And I can speak for Sue, here as well 🙂
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What a wonderful gesture! This makes me want to visit Scotland even more!
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I hope you get the opportunity one day, Jacquie.
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Heading over to read Barb’s post now.
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I am sure you will enjoy it, Liz.
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Yes, I did, very much!
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This was such a heartwarming story of community and love. So glad you three were able to at least enjoy a virtual visit. ❤
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It was really lovely, Eliza. That community is so special.
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Such a heartfelt gift, Mary. What wonderful memories to carry with you always. It is so touching to witness such generosity of spirit. Bless you all.
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It really was a heartfelt gift, Maggie. We were all so blessed to enjoy that time together.
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I went over to read this and immediately recommended it to other friends. What a wonderful demonstration of friendship and support at such a frightening time.
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Thank you, Jessica. It really was (is) something incredibly generous and special.
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This is such a warm, heartwarming, beautiful tribute to the kindness of a community. It’s amazing how quickly and easily and willingly they rose to the challenge. A beautiful gift to you and Sue. Sue’s post about the day was incredibly touching. I’m so glad you got to enjoy the time together. ❤ ❤ Hugs
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Thanks so much for your kind comments about the Arran community and what they did for me and Sue and Barb. It is this kindness and care for each other which makes blogging so special. 🙂
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It was so touching. A reminder that the world is full of ordinary extraordinary people. ❤
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