Bringing in the New

Nine days ago, at the tender age of forty-five, I became a father. Welcome to the world, Minka Rose Letcher. The name is Polish I think, and it means 'strong'. We are over the moon.


Minka's arrival doesn't change the fact that a year ago we lost another child, nor can it hope to wipe away the agony of that loss: it would be unfair in the extreme to burden her with that. But like the blessing of spring after a long, harsh winter, she's brought joy into our lives again.

We've been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of family and friends, and in particular by the small army of people dropping off meals in a box outside our door, allowing us to remain blissfully in our bubble without having to worry about the practicalities of living. Thank you all. What a community.

And though I don't want to single out any particular gift there is one that I'd like to share here. For wrapped around two beeswax candles was a note from Eric, the canniest and most respected beekeeper in the village. 

'I've told the bees' he said.

What a blessing. What a welcome. 

10 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Dr. Letcher. Thank you for sharing this event with all of us, even those whom you will probably never meet, e.g., me, but who do admire your work.

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  2. beautiful, telling the bees xxx There is a story called Clever Minka from Poland. So happy for you all xxx

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  3. Thanks for such heart-warming news! Congratulations to all three of you.

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  4. Your joy has brightened my day. Life is good.

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  5. I am so very, very happy for you, Andy. You are right, beautiful Minka won't wipe away the pain of losing Lyra, but she will bring back the light, just as my beautiful Maia did 12 years ago (and also right at the end of the hardest winter I've ever had). Joy will be yours again. xxx

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  6. Ahh, a story of life emerging. Congratulations x

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  7. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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