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Hi Annie, reading your news brought back many painful memories for me! In1991, my husband and I moved to North Cornwall, we had a bungalow in a little cul-de-sac, 8 bungalows in all. The neighbours were friendly enough,and I got to know most of the inhabitants in the village. In 2009, my husband died suddenly, and although my eldest son was living in Devon at the time, one hour away from me, and my youngest son in London, I have never felt so lonely in my life! One month after my husband's death, I went down with shingles, above my right eye, it was very painful, and for a month, the only person to visit me was the doctor. For 9 months, not one neighbour knocked on my door, fortunately I could get my groceries delivered by Asda, my computer was my lifeline !! 9 months later, I put the bungalow on the market to move nearer to my eldest son in Devon, then Lo and behold, the neighbours came to life, wanting to know why I was moving !! The day I moved, a few of them appeared, wanting my new address, "We must keep in touch" they said, a couple of them even had tears in their eyes !!
So, I settled in Devon, never to hear from my Cornish neighbours again, but soon after, my son and his wife informed me that they were moving back "up country"' once again, left on my own, in a strange place, with no car to move me from A to B ! Luckily, my youngest son, living in London, invited me to move in with him and his partner. So, that is what I did, sold my house, and here I am, settled in Uxbridge, and this is where I stay !! I must admit, I did get a Christmas card from one neighbour in Cornwall, and my sister, who married a Cornishman and still lives in the village, phones me and tells me that lots of the locals ask her how I am getting on !!! I can now understand why my husband would never mix with the neighbours, he wasn't so trusting like I was, but I've learnt my lesson! Just thought I would let you know that you were not alone regarding neighbours etc., and I hope by now, you and your husband are both in good health again. Best regards, Pat
3367Oh, sweet Annie, I had no idea you were so ill, I'm so sorry!! I know just how you feel, being a widow and handicapped, with no children and living in the real country, 12 miles from anywhere. If I get ill, I'm totally alone, and the dumb dog can't turn the water faucet on or dial 911. It's scary to know that I'll die alone, because although such few scattered neighbours as I have know my circumstances, nobody ever ever checks to see if I'm ok, if I need anything in the middle of a snowstorm, or if I'm dead and the dog has been gnawing on my bones. Ah, well--that was just to let you know that I don't blame you for being upset at everyone you helped, seems to be how it works everywhere. At least your dear daughter is there and can be of some help. I hope you and your husband are on the road to recovery very soon. I'm glad you got your SS throw just when you seemed to need it most!! Any flats for rent in your area? We could take care of each other. Now, here's a laugh for you, can you see me coming from the USA and learning to drive on the "wrong" side of the road at 65! If that doesn't make you wet your pants laughing, nothing will!! When my Dad and I were in London 17 years ago, we almost got killed every time we went to cross the street, because we looked the wrong way for cars every time. And then my Dad actually threatened my life by offering to rent a car and drive us to Bath and Stonehenge!! He was 74 at the time, not only from the USA, but blind in one eye. AAAAAGGGGHHH! No!! I didn't let him. We took the bus.
Feel better soon, Annie, hope I made you laugh a little, anyway. Hugs, Marji
33451Oh Annie i had no idea you were sick.!!I took out that excellent card u made me in 2011 cause its still the best one i got in my whole life.
I to try very hard to "Do unto others as you would have them do to you"Maybe u could still do some of the driving but tell the folks it is no longer free ??
Praying for a speedy recovery !!Hugs
by eggyannie
07 Jan 2013
Noah I didn't get to send out any cards this year although they were made and ready to send.
any extra money made has to be declared and its just not worth the hassle'
i will offer to help the local community transport to help folk get home from hospital. that way i can get expencese paid legaly. annie
by eggyannie
07 Jan 2013
forgot to add that a new design for you was amongst them .all will be placed in pile ready fro next Chrismtas tide
360431I hope you are back on the mend...so, so sorry that you had to encounter such uncaring neighbors...know that your Cute community is always here even if it is just to provide support as we cannot be there physically to help...you need to take care of yourself first, or you will not be able to take care of others...thoughts and prayers to you for a better 2013...
314017thank you all for your kind words and prayers and hugs.
I am starting to respond to all the drugs, but i guess it will be a while before i am on top again.
take care and may your God walk with you and yours. annie in the uk
1499514995Hugs, hugs, and hugs to you, Annie. So sorry for what happened to you. I'm glad that your daughter has been able to help and you are feeling better. Love and hugs, Lidia
78093Now Annie, repeat after me....
N,
O,
that's it, try again......
N,
O,
wonderful!
Now put the two letters together and say it gently but with conviction
NO
again?
NO
By jeeves I think she's got it!
NO NO NO NO NO.
Practice makes perfect and it sounds like it is definitely time you learn how to say no.
You may also want to stop appearing to be so capable.
Sometimes we have to scream out for help, even though we may have been helping everyone else for years, they just don't realise.
I found out that people who knew me thought I never needed any help because I was always helping others.
And when I needed it most, even my hubby didn't realise how badly I needed help until I almost had a break-down.
Don't judge them too harshly Sweetie, it is probably a backhanded compliment that they think you don't need help.
Next time stand at your front door and yell HELP!!!!! that will make them sit up and take notice. :-)))
Hugs n love from downunder, Meg
PS. I couldn't locate a funny "HELP" ani.gif so I hope this one makes you smile. :-)
by eggyannie
06 Jan 2013
thank you Megan and yes i have learnt that i must say no although it goes against my way of life.
today a woman a few doors away knocked and asked me to take her to her friends house for a party 40 miles away.
i do wish you could have seen her face when i told her that i was no longer going to provide this service to the community. Shock was an understatement
she had the nerve to ask me how she was expected to get there, I gave her the number for the local taxi firm and quietly shut the door on her.
the face above looks a bit like i did. LOL annie
by meganne
07 Jan 2013
OH Annie Good for you Girl!!!!!
I do understand where you are coming from.
"Who helps those, who are always helping others, when they need help?"
The answer.........
The "WOULD-BE" Christians will say, "I have problems of my own" and trundle off to watch their favourite tv show.
The "SO-CALLED" Christians will say "God helps those who help themselves" and trundle off to their Church.
The "TRUE CHRISTIAN" doesn't even have to ask, they are there on your doorstep ready to pitch in because they know you well enough to know when you need help.
These are the Angels on earth God blessed us with and we call them friends.
God bless you girlfriend, if only all the Cuties lived close to each other there would never be a shortage of friends who care enough to help, they are all Christians in their souls.
Now Please Cuties don't take offence at my words, it is only MY opinion. Having a beautiful Son who is a Christian Minister and seeing how his community support and help each other and being surrounded by TRUE-Christians (I call friends) I have come to learn the difference and understand why my darling Dad called certain of our neighbours, Hypocrites, when I was growing up.
Get well soon Dear Annie, Pneumonia is the pits! Don't forget to get yourself a pneumonia vaccination when you are up and about again, they really work.
Hugs n blessings Meg
122864So sorry to read this ! One can get rather bitter with people who do not care (except for themselves) Hope that you feel a lot better and that this will not happen again :-(
27028Annie, this breaks my heart. I wish that I could do something for you in person, but I will send you a hug and say a prayer for your continued return to health. Thank you for reminding me to pay more attention to my neighbors. I will certainly do that.
158553I am so very sorry you were sick for so very long. Thank goodness for your daughter. Yes, so many of your neighbors were unkind, but at least now you will have access to help. A terrible experience, but a good ending. Please be careful and rest. I am sure your body is still healing. Wish I could give you a real hug but I am glad you are back with us again.
168905Knock Knock........ Im here with a big cyber hug. Pauline Australia x x
42046Dear Annie - this has really upset me to think of what a terrible time you have had. May you and your husband soon be on the mend. Hugs to you both Sarah.
253107Oh! I am so sorry Annie that you have had to endure this sort of treatment from your neighbours. I do hope that your message has gotten through. It only takes a moment to check to see if someone is o.k. in your vicinity, neighbourhood etc. I'm so glad that your gift arrived at a time which I think was meant to be. I do pray that your husband and you continue to gain good health. Love and blessings Chris
234253I'm not surprised that you feel bitter, Annie, but I'm very, very glad that you are on the mend. At least take heart from the fact that this community is so much more caring than you one you live in.
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