July 4th, 2 months after our fourth Daffodil Tea held May 4th. I wonder why I have taken so long to write my thoughts and I realize that I have to have a beginning and an end and also some relevant pictures. Well my beginning was that our 4th of July was spent on our own due to me having a pulled muscle in my back and our boys were off with their families. This was good because as we had lunch together it made me realize how important it is to have someone by your side who loves you. Kenneth knew that only too well.

Quote — “Two are better than one, …If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

So, what are my other thoughts — many, many stories. Once again the tea was a success in the amount we raised, $7,283 and once again the fellowship and stories were equally memorable. Here are a few ……

I had emailed 3 of our former students to ask for a donation of a CD as they are all professional musicians. One a cellist, one a classical guitarist, and one a pop star in Mexico. I received CD’s and notes from each of them and one said, “Tell Mr. Reid he was very inspiring while I was at school, specially surrounded by all those classical guys. His anecdotes are still part of my repertoire when I tell stories about ‘the Hill.’ I hope you guys enjoy my new work. Both albums have DVDs to watch. The solo album has a song at the end which gives the title to the record La Marcha De La Vida (The March of Life). I wrote it for Mateo, my 10 year old. It talks about the everlasting bond between a father and his son, at all levels, in all realms. Please have a Spanish speaking friend translate it for you guys. Some relationships get stronger while not being physically close. I admire all your strength and efforts. Count on me if you need anything else.’’
Thought — The student ministered to the teacher

Then there was Ruth from Cape Cod. Ruth is in her eighties and last year her husband of 60 years died. She knitted a beautiful baby blanket and when I called to thank her she said, “No, I thank you my dear. I have no grandchildren to knit for so it gives me pleasure to knit for others. Also it helps me with my grief.”
Thought — Ruth was given some lemons but she makes lemonade.

Also my dear sister Sarah who lives in New Zealand who has supported me with love and prayers all of my life. Here is the story of the necklaces she sends me.

This story is enclosed with each necklace purchased — These unique necklaces are bought in New Zealand and given to the Daffodil Tea by Sarah. When Sarah came to visit her sister on February 28, 2009 she brought over necklaces to give as gifts to those women who had been so supportive to her sister during Kenneth’s illness. These necklaces became a topic of conversation for the people who were wearing them. And the story begins…. Sarah’s nephew Kenneth died on March 1st, 2009 of mesothelioma. The next year her sister Heather held the 1st Daffodil Tea to raise money for Mesothelioma research. Sarah sent her sister ten necklaces from New Zealand. They were an instant hit so in 2011 she sent fifteen. She bought three at a time from a little gift cart at the hospital she worked in. One day Ivan questioned as to why she bought so many. Sarah shared the story of Kenneth and Ivan told her about his daughter going to have surgery for colon cancer. Sarah said that she would pray for his daughter. The next time she went to buy more he told her that they ‘got all the cancer’ and his daughter’s prognosis was excellent. They were forming a bond because of their stories. He told Sarah that he would like to sell her the necklaces ‘for cost’ and then he would also be contributing to the Tea. This year, 2013, Sarah sent Heather 22 beautiful necklaces. Enjoy your necklace and the story behind it.

Thought— it is surprising how far reaching the story of Kenneth has gone.

Last year I met Chrisje (a friend of a friend) who took great pictures of our tea. This year she made EIGHTY felt daffodil pins to give to each person at the tea. This may seem incredible but there is much more behind it that I cannot really share. Suffice to say that she empathized with me in a way that I will never forget. On the day of the tea she came to me and said, as she cradled her gift in cupped hands,” I woke up early this morning and made this for you, I give you some Light.” It was a felt daffodil made so that it lay flat and in the inside of the flower was a small battery operated tea light.

Thought — Any darkness in our life can never overcome us if we are surrounded by love.

I also had a First Giving site that people could donate on line. Again I received a large Anonymous donation. I know who it was from and when she gave me a donation 3 years ago she said, “I said to my husband, it is time to give back.” Nearing the end of the time I had the page open another large donation was received. This was from our son Andrew and his wife Melissa. They were married last September and instead of favors they decided to donate the money to the International Mesothelioma Program in Kenneth’s memory. Here is what they put on their order of service, “In lieu of favors a donation has been made to the International Mesothelioma Program in loving memory of Kenneth William Reid, brother to Andrew. Though we cannot see you, we know you are here. Though we cannot touch you, we feel the warmth of your smile as we begin this new chapter in our lives, Andrew and Melissa.“

Thought — remembering others in the blessings of our lives.

A quote from Sadie and then I will wrap up my thoughts and stories. This is the third year Sadie has come to our tea. She is now 99 yrs old and we presented her with a little bouquet of flowers. As I was speaking with Sadie she looked me in the eye and said, ”You have to be happy and appreciate things.”

Thought — you are never to old to be thankful.

And now I come to the end although I could write so much more as to the help, support, and love that I have received and I hope that those who helped and came to the tea experienced that love. “For it is in giving that we receive.”

The photos shared relate to my stories, are from the Tea, and a memorable wedding on June 14th. My sister-in-law Christina met a wonderful man Denis (they both live in Scotland) and they were married when on vacation in Natick by our pastor Gina. It was a complete secret to everyone except Ron and I. Very romantic. Anyway I was making the bouquet and buttonholes and when I went to pick up the flowers from the florist, they could not find the roses for the buttonholes!!! I did not panic but just went to another florist — this was now 2 hours before the wedding !!! At the new florist they had exactly what I wanted BUT….. I noticed a bunch of flowers with delicate white flowers I said, ” Is that Queen Anne’s Lace?” It was, and it was Kenneth’s favorite flower. I bought some and they were incorporated in the wedding flowers. It was a Joyful day full of laughter and love.

Thought — if you have sadness in your life try to find something or someone that brings you Joy.

Quote “Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

I hope you can attend next year,
Love Heather