The Ambassador and the Guardian Angel
by N. West Moss, Writer in Residence and author of Blood and Water
As Writer-in-Residence at Gladstone’s Library this fall, the only downside was that I was a little bit lonely so far from my home in New Jersey. While Gladstone’s is full of the most lovely, like-minded visitors, they often stay for a day or two and then head for home. The Welsh, though, are known for their hospitality, and soon the locals were making me feel welcome. At the Glynne Arms, for example, by the time I left, they referred to me simply as “America”, and the lovely young man at Pursuit Café would often hide a croissant for me to retrieve when my morning writing session had run its course.
Monday nights, I learned, was when the bell ringers gathered at St. Deiniol’s Church. I could hear them practice, the lovely soft sound of the bells in the dark fall evening. By my second Monday, feeling a bit less cautious and lot more at home, I walked to the church to listen up close, and who should I happen upon, but two new friends. There in the dark sat Sheila Hopley and her brindle rescue-chihuahua, Lilly. They were enjoying the bells too. Sheila introduced herself and let me hold Lilly. “She’s an ambassador,” said Sheila. “When I first got her, I’d bring her to my mum’s nursing home and everyone would have a cuddle. She’s popular.” Being far away from my husband and cat (17-year old Zonker) meant that a little cuddle was most welcome. When the bells stopped chiming, I grudgingly handed Lilly back to Sheila, and went on my way.
A few days later, as I was out for my walk, there Sheila was again, parked outside the church with Lilly, but getting ready to go in. I waved, and Sheila rolled down her window. “We’re here for the church lighting.” They were lighting the church purple for polio awareness. I said hello to Lilly, whose eyes closed in contentment as I gave her sweet face a pet. “It’s so nice to see you again,” I said, and I meant it.
Over the next few weeks, I ran into Lilly and Sheila several times and came to think of Sheila as my guardian angel. She was often there to give me a wave, or a smile, or to say goodnight. “How did you like Llandudno?” Sheila asked, knowing I had ventured to the spectacular Welsh Coast for a day’s adventure. I learned that Sheila had gone to school in Hawarden and had worked at Gladstone’s Library back when it was known as St. Deiniol’s Residential Library. Much of her life had been spent in and near the friendly town of Hawarden.
A few nights before I was set to leave for home, there were Sheila and Lilly. “We’re having a chocolate party to raise money for the church,” she said, “and I’ll be baking! It’ll be over in the Tithe Barn. Can you join us?” Of course, I said yes. Lilly and Sheila would be there, after all, and, well, there would be chocolate!
That night I found my way around back of the building to the entrance, and spent the most lovely evening imaginable, surrounded by locals of all ages, who had known one another for a lifetime. These kind people welcomed me without question, and we shared an evening of laughter and chocolate, and Sheila kindly allowed me to hold Lilly for a good hour.
These small kindnesses made life a pleasure, and my many encounters in and around Gladstone’s Library reminded me that there are people we haven’t met yet to love, and new friends around the corner, in the churchyard where the bells are ringing in the night.