We’re just back from London where we attended Classic FM live.
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and guest soloists were mind-blowingly good!
It was our first time flying since my wife suffered a major stroke two years ago and became a wheelchair user. Hazel was like a child in a toyshop, indomitable, fearless and giggling to be out on her travels again. She freaked me out a couple of times zooming off into the next department in Harrods on her battery chair with me running to catch up! Not for the first or I suspect last time I say – what a woman!
I admit I was nervous and potentially quite stressed about the trip but I have to say the friendliness and kindness of strangers was so encouraging.
The ‘special assistance’ staff who guided us through the airports and helped us on and off planes, trains and taxis, ‘Elodie’ who took our picture at the Albert Hall, the hotel doormen who cheerfully put out the ramp and stood to attention like we were royalty, the young man who offered help when a van had parked in front of a low kerb - heroes one and all!
Travel and a big city brings us the world, so many faces, voices, languages and ethnic backgrounds but what struck me this time was the almost universal welcome, respect and eagerness to assist. I guess Hazel’s obvious disability was a big part of it or maybe that I’m an older paying customer who gets called ‘sir’ more often these days!
But no, seriously, all these strangers seemed to take genuine pleasure in helping us.
And I’m thinking of an instruction we’re given in the New Testament book of Hebrews, ‘Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.’ It’s a reference to an event in Genesis where Abraham welcomes travellers who turn out to be of heavenly origin. It’s good to show a little kindness to people, wherever they’re from!
Hazel and I are no angels but pray God’s grace and blessing on everyone who helped us on this latest adventure.
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and guest soloists were mind-blowingly good!
It was our first time flying since my wife suffered a major stroke two years ago and became a wheelchair user. Hazel was like a child in a toyshop, indomitable, fearless and giggling to be out on her travels again. She freaked me out a couple of times zooming off into the next department in Harrods on her battery chair with me running to catch up! Not for the first or I suspect last time I say – what a woman!
I admit I was nervous and potentially quite stressed about the trip but I have to say the friendliness and kindness of strangers was so encouraging.
The ‘special assistance’ staff who guided us through the airports and helped us on and off planes, trains and taxis, ‘Elodie’ who took our picture at the Albert Hall, the hotel doormen who cheerfully put out the ramp and stood to attention like we were royalty, the young man who offered help when a van had parked in front of a low kerb - heroes one and all!
Travel and a big city brings us the world, so many faces, voices, languages and ethnic backgrounds but what struck me this time was the almost universal welcome, respect and eagerness to assist. I guess Hazel’s obvious disability was a big part of it or maybe that I’m an older paying customer who gets called ‘sir’ more often these days!
But no, seriously, all these strangers seemed to take genuine pleasure in helping us.
And I’m thinking of an instruction we’re given in the New Testament book of Hebrews, ‘Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.’ It’s a reference to an event in Genesis where Abraham welcomes travellers who turn out to be of heavenly origin. It’s good to show a little kindness to people, wherever they’re from!
Hazel and I are no angels but pray God’s grace and blessing on everyone who helped us on this latest adventure.
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