The kindness of strangers

[FionaH]

I dont normally post at length about personal stuff, however I was bowled over last night by the kindness of a grape, and I would like to tell you about it.

Yesterday was my eldests 18th birthday. After a few sedate pints with myself and his Dad he pootled off to the next village for more raucous pints and dinner with his friends. He and his mates, fairly drunkenly caught the last train home.
Unfortunately they met a bunch of louts looking for a fight. The long and the short of it ended up with my finding my son unconcious on the pavement covered in blood, two other friends were badly hurt.
My husband went with them to the hospital and I had to stay home with my youngest as we had had louts outside our house! Although at this point I was fairly sure my son would be fine, I was beside myself, prowling the house and lets face it you dont phone someone at 3 am unless someone has died!

This is where the Vine came in. A wonderful grape who happened to be on line at this ridiculous time of the morning. Chatted to me on MSN for hours keeping me calm until the call arrived that my son and his friends were in fact going to be ok and were coming home.

The next time someone tells me that strangers one meets online are not "real" friends I will have something to say about it

So I will embarass the heck out of the grape concerned and tell you it was Sarzwix. She was a complete star! Apologies hon if you are totally nackered today Many many thanks for saving my sanity and persuading me that as I am not a member of the mafia I shouldnt go and kneecap anyone

Fi

[shirlthegirl43]

YAY Sarzwix - you are a star. I already knew what a lovely person you are but this confirms it! Well done you and many pats on the back.

Fiona, we had to visit A&E with our eldest in January when he reached 18! Someone smashed a pint glass into his hands under the guise of saying 'cheers'. So glad to hear your lad is okay - it is such a worry when they go out on their own ((hugs)) to you and yours

[zazen999]

Sarz - you rock girl.

And Fi - glad your lad was ok. What a nightmare.

xxx

[Nicos]

Sympathies..and celebrations!!!there are a few of us who share very personal experiences here on the Vine...and being great peeps can be wonderful support!!

Yup Sarz is a grand lass....and I'm glad your son is OK now Fiona!! xx

bloomin teenagers eh????..we've all been there!

[lynda66]

so glad they are all ok hun *phew, total nightmare though .... so glad Sarz was still up for you ... and i agree she is a total star xxxx

[SarzWix]

You (and Lynda ) have 'listened' to my wailing and moaning for months about my stoopid foot, so don't go hiding your light under a bushel!
Just very glad I was there when needed, and ever gladderer that the lads are going to be ok

[RedThorn]

I agree Fi ....see a post I put on here about a grape Glad your sons ok and Good on ya Sarah!

[NOG]

Hope all three of them are ok....and that your blood pressure is back to normal.

[FionaH]

I'm glad your son is OK now Fiona!! xx

bloomin teenagers eh????..we've all been there!

The worst thing is that all they did was get off the train, walked into a bloody huge fight! I have to remember that it could have been much worse.

I have been a lot of places and seen a lot of things, but I can honestly say that I have never been more terrified than I was last night. Thank God for friends

[selfraising]

Oh God Fi what a nightmare. You must have been beside yourself. So glad everyones okay and fantastic Sarz for being there for Fi.

[snuffer]

Glad to hear everyone is alright. Unfortunately the louts, scum and thugs need no provocation or excuse to behave like animals.

Good on yer SarzWix, always new you were a star.

[craiglockley]

Glad everyone's ok and well done to Sarz. As a race we have lost the community spirit we once had and to some degree, internet communities like this are changing that. We should learn to trust that everyone on the other end of this message board is a human and we shouldn't be afraid to become friends with people here and treat as you would your neighbour.

[bobleponge]

Fi, I'm sooooo glad you're lad is ok, poor kid. As has been said, the scum of today need no excuse for violence.
We all knew that Sarz is a star anyway, but confirmation if it were needed is always good.

[Seahorse]

Really glad your lad is ok Fi.

Sarah, you're fab (but we knew that )

[jackie j]

Well done SarzWix. Glad your son is ok Fi, Having been through my boys all turned 18 plus it is a worry and it wont stop there. Every time I know my boys are out I dread getting a call especially two of them who are dj's working in night clubs and pubs. One of my sons has to drive a long way home on a saturday night. One works more locally and after one time when he was out with his gf and joined a queue on a taxi rank where there is always trouble, he now books a taxi to pick him up from the club the drivers know him and are always waiting for him.
Its a worry that will never go away. My boys no longer live at home so I never know whats going on until they call, If I hear of something thats happened on the local news I listen to the details then breath a sigh of relief when the description doesnt match.
God knows what I will be like when my daughter turns 18, but with four brothers to escort her and to look out for her I am sure she will be ok.