Thursday 21 June 2012

The Unexpected

Photo Copyright: Maggie May


Always expect the unexpected. Isn't that how the saying goes?
I am pretty good at that but sometimes my pessimistic side takes over and I can often expect bad things to happen.
This time though, I was caught by surprise and a good thing seems to be in the offing.

Better start at the beginning, Maggie.
My son's partner, Sandy had a funeral to go to and she wanted Sam to accompany her to the Channel Islands where it was to take place. I was asked to have the four children for the night which would involve picking them up from school, giving them an evening meal, getting them all to bed, making packed lunches for each one of them and taking the three girls to school the next day.
It was a bit daunting as I am only used to the two of us, but I agreed and got on with the task in hand. It all went very smoothly and I hardly noticed that I had four children in the house because they were probably all on their best behaviour. It was a really enjoyable time and we all got on very well.

The following afternoon I was on stand by waiting for a phone call, just in case the plane was delayed or anything and I had to pick them up from school and do another stint. (This is the kind of unexpected that I expect...... if you know what I mean).
Anyway with only about half an hour to go till school pick up time, Sam and Sandy arrived on my door step and excitedly told us about their trip and revealed their plans. They are getting married, probably next year and what is more they want to get married in the church where the funeral was because they both liked the vicar.
We are very delighted but surprised because they both seem very *alternative* in their taste for things and not into church at all. I think this was the biggest surprise about the church as I was expecting them to just live together, which we would have accepted.
There are now three ecstatically happy little girls and a boy who says he is happy about it but doesn't really understand what the fuss is about.
They have only known each other for six months but I've never ever seen my son so happy and that is what we parents want for our children in the end, isn't it?

So I think we should always expect the unexpected. What do you think about this?

 

32 comments:

larkswing said...

Congratulations! Always nice when the unexpected is a wonderful unexpected!!

Suburbia said...

That's fantastic news Maggie :-)

dianefaith said...

Great news! I'm glad the time with 4 children in the house went well, too. Sometimes even one child can be exhausting when you're not used to having him or her around, and I'd bet four could be a handful.

Suldog said...

I think it's wonderful, of course! Congratulations to all involved!

Irene said...

Sam must be very much in love to be willing to habe a special church wedding. It will be thrilling for the kids as well and will create special memories for all of you. When will the engagement party be?

Happy Frog and I said...

Congratulations to them both and the whole family of course. Wonderful news Maggie. x

Rosaria Williams said...

Ah, a bit of good news for everyone, especially the children, getting a new mom soon. Congratulations!

Brian Miller said...

wow i think that was some funeral...smiles...pretty cool...glad the kids are excited....

Mimi said...

Wonderful! I'm so thrilled for you Maggie, cos I know you get on well with Sandy and she obviously thinks the world of you.
That is great (unexpected) good news.

On the topic of expecting bad things, I think that may be a result of all the trauma you've had recently, a natural consequence, so to speak.
So, maybe this good news can be seen as the start of a "good" phase.
Congrats!! So exciting, and a lovely wedding to start planning for and getting excited about!

Dimple said...

I think it's wonderful! Congratulations to the couple; blessings to all!

About Last Weekend said...

Wow - that is amazing. Well done you for taking care of the four children!

Beryl Ament said...

Great news. Congratulations to all concerned.

CorvusCorax12 said...

yes, congratulations :)

Formerly known as Frau said...

Congrats and I love the unexpected....you just never know what happens these days....but happiness is always a good thing...especially in our children!

Akelamalu said...

I think it's lovely that they want to get married, so many couples these days can't be bothered. Congratulations on managing the four children, I usually only have two at a time and even that is challenging. LOL

Jeni said...

That's the best kind of "unexpected" events ever, isn't it Maggie? Wish that idea of Sam's and his girlfriends would rub off somehow, magically, across the ocean onto my son and his girlfriend!

Wendy said...

What a happy post, Maggie! I am thrilled for your son and his soon-to-be wife! And the children of course as well.
Happy unexpected news.
Congrats to all.

P.S. Don't know if I could manage to look after 4 grands overnight the way you did! Wow!

Sally Wessely said...

I think it is all quite marvelous and wish them the very best.

Bernie said...

All good Maggie, when its all about love I am 100% for it. Hope you all are well....:-)Hugs

Mickle in NZ said...

I writing this with a huge smile on my face, while feeling delight and huge happiness for Sam and Sandy.

Thank you for sharing such incredibly good and happy news, sending care, love and huggles, Michelle xxxx

Ayak said...

I think it's lovely Maggie. I bet you are really pleased. Nice to have good news for a change isn't it? Congratulations to them xx

aims said...

What absolutely wonderful news Maggie! I'm sure the house is still resounding to the sounds of happiness that were heard within its walls. Not only is it wonderful that Sam is so happy, but it's wonderful that you are so happy as well.
Much love -

FeltByRae said...

Such happy news! Congratulations to your son and soon to be daughter in law

And wow at you... 4 kids?!? Crumbs! I only have one of my twin nephews at a time mostly.. so 4... I can't imagine 4!

Grandmothers are so important, I still have such happy memories from when I spent days with mine when I was little, sadly we lost her far too soon, but I still think of her often and I'm glad to say my son still loves his Gma (my mum) too

Working Mum said...

What lovely news! And sounds like they will be a lovely family altogether.

SandyCarlson said...

I wish your son and his sweetheart the very best. I am glad you have happy news!

Secret Agent Woman said...

That's great. It's so nice when you get good surprises like that.

Jackie said...

I have been eager to hear news about Sam...and what wonderful news this is indeed!
Congratulations to them both...and to the four children.
I couldn't be happier for you, Maggie...to know that one's son is happy is so good for the heart, isn't it.
Much love to you,
Jackie

Shammickite said...

What good news for you all. I think this means you will be planning a trip to the Channel Islands. And I'm so glad that all the children are excited about it. You are right to expect the unexpected. I never in a million years thought that OlderSon and his sweetheart would ever have children, but now we have grandson Callum and he's four already and is a huge delight.

Rose said...

This is wonderful news, Maggie! Congratulations to Sam and his fiance; I know how happy you must be to see him so happy as well.

Anonymous said...

It's great news and I'm sure you are thrilled. We definitely want our children to be happy. Such a happy occasion to look forward to.

CJ x

Sandi McBride said...

Bravo Maggie...this is wonderful news!!! I am so happy for your family!
hugs
Sandi

Jinksy said...

It's the only way to go Maggie - like the Boy Scouts - "Be Prepared!"