Eilidh (my friend of 25 years - more on that later) recently called me to say her car had been written off in an accident that was not her fault. 4 days later she is still experiencing headaches and disoreintation. The car was not young but she had taken loving care of it knowing that she did not have the means to buy another. Dutifully paying into insurance for years, she now finds herself $5,000 short of a reliable replacement.
Without effective local transport, trips to shops and doctors are difficult, and visting the nearby beaches and nature spots, places that are the cathedral of her soul, will be impossible. I have been the lucky reader of many poems inspired by these places.
Eilidh gives wisdom, love and practical support to anyone who needs it. She has that kind of practical integrity which comes from understanding that everything we do matters. (Funnily enough, about 5 years ago she set up a crowdfunding page for a friend of hers who could also not afford to replace his car). What she is not so great at, is asking for help herself.
And as much as the freedom provided by a car will make a huge difference there is something more at stake here...After a year of some awful health difficulties, I can tell that, as much as anything, Eilidh needs to know that her comunity is there for her.
Love you xo