The Unexpectedly Wonderful Day

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Every once in a while, you have an experience that absolutely astounds you and restores your faith in humanity.  On Saturday, my husband and I had one of those experiences.  
It was the perfect summer day, sunny, temperatures in the 70's, and low humidity.  There was a garage sale I was interested in and we didn't manage to get there until after 2:00 in the afternoon.  The man who owned the house was very friendly and we struck up a conversation.  I commented on the beautiful view of the lake and he invited us to go around to his deck and enjoy it.  We said we didn't want to impose, but he insisted and the next thing we knew we were sitting on the deck chatting like we'd known each other for years.  


We introduced ourselves - his name is Gene and he told us that his house once belonged to his mother and was very tiny. Over the years, he added on to it using wood and rock from the property until it became what it is today - a 5 bedroom, 2 bath house with a huge deck.  The picture above was taken from that deck.  The inside was finished with wide pine boards and some of the walls were finished with stone.  It was amazing! 
Yes, he invited us inside to see it.  At one point, someone came to the door and asked about something he was selling.  Gene went out to deal with that and told us to stay put.  We were astounded - we had just met him and we were invited into his home like we were old friends!  
When he returned, he told us we had to see the beach, so, off we went. 

His two dogs were the sweetest, but Sophie was the lovebug of the two.
Gene went on to tell us that he was battling cancer but this place was his dream and his 'healing'. He's not able to do what he used to, but he takes time every day to sit on the deck and walk down to the beach and enjoy the lake.  There is a boat that he still takes out and a fire pit for the evenings.  I can tell you that it was so peaceful and I was content to sit in an Adirondack chair and listen to the lake water lapping at the shore.

We were invited to stay for burgers on the grill, but we didn't want to over-stay our welcome.  Another friend had stopped by, so we said our good-byes, but not before we were invited to stop by anytime.  

I don't know about you, but it isn't often we are invited into a strangers home to spend the afternoon.  It wasn't just 'an afternoon', It was a truly remarkable day and we came away with a new friend, whom I'm sure we'll visit again soon!

One last note. Gene sent me home with a cutting that had been rooting from one of his plants.  The original plant (that was sitting in the window) belonged to is aunt and was from the 1920's.  He called it "Moses in the Bullrush".  There is a story behind it, but I'll let you Google that one!


I hope this little story restored your faith in humanity as much as it did mine - have a wonderful week!
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Comments

  1. Linda@Coastal CharmJune 26, 2017 at 5:32 PM

    Oh what an amazing story you shared here at our party. Thanks so much for joining in at Show and Share.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  2. mary scottJune 27, 2017 at 7:46 PM

    A story like this helps reaffirm the good in people - you and him! thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJune 28, 2017 at 5:29 PM

      Thank you, Mary. I was just so touched that he felt comfortable enough to share so much with us.

      Delete
  3. BarbaraJune 28, 2017 at 1:25 PM

    What a remarkable day you had. It not only says a lot about Gene, but about you and your husband too. There are still many wonderful people in this world. I'm glad you got to mAke a new friend. Enjoy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJune 28, 2017 at 5:30 PM

      Yes, there are many wonderful people - we need more reminders of it in this day and age!

      Delete
  4. UnknownJune 29, 2017 at 8:56 AM

    What a great story! We are all too busy for other people these days. It's wonderful to hear stories like this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJune 30, 2017 at 6:26 PM

      Thank you, Cassie. Yes, we all need to slow down sometimes!

      Delete
  5. My thrift store addictionJune 29, 2017 at 2:51 PM

    What a wonderful experience and I agree, so rare these days--little did your new friend know he inspired a blog post ;) Thanks for sharing @Vintage Charm!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJune 30, 2017 at 6:28 PM

      I really felt it was an important story to share since we don't see enough of this sort of thing these days.
      He truly is an inspiration!

      Delete
  6. Carol @Comfort Spring StationJune 30, 2017 at 10:38 AM

    A wonderful experience that feeds the soul - you were blessed with a true gift of a new friend. I've had similar experiences that have changed my day and sometimes my life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJune 30, 2017 at 6:30 PM

      So true, Carol. Experiences like this DO feed the soul!
      Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.

      Delete
  7. csuhpat1June 30, 2017 at 10:55 AM

    Looks like a wonderful day. Sometimes we have these experiences that keep our faith up and looks like you had one-a great thing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJune 30, 2017 at 6:31 PM

      his day will definitely be scrapbooked - one to remember!
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  8. Lydia from Lydia's Flexitarian KitchenJuly 3, 2017 at 3:48 PM

    Days like that shine like jewels in our memories. Thanks for sharing with us at Creatively Crafty #ccbg :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 3, 2017 at 6:27 PM

      So true, Lydia. Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  9. The Gregor FamilyJuly 7, 2017 at 2:21 AM

    Thank you for your story and sharing at the Friday at the Fire Station link-up! I just wanted to let you know you will be the featured post this week! Have a great weekend.
    Jen
    www.afiremanswife.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 9, 2017 at 10:43 AM

      Thank you so much. It's an honor to be featured!

      Delete

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