Simply 'The Winfields'

Who would have imagined the joy a young boy could have just weeks from leaving us here on earth. I know I keep on harping on about God's Awesome plans...but are you with me on this ..these two fabulous images were captured on the same day.
Even though Julia would tell me it was a coincidence that her and her husband of 25 years lived in the same cul de sac as the Foster-Hortons. That it was fortuitous that Ryan was a builder with a van and lots of tools. And that Julia had become one of Willies teaching assistants, really bonding and getting to know him well - engaging with him at his level, yet having a quiet authority to enable him to learn and enjoy new experiences.

It was during a visit to the special needs school, that Willie confided in Julia that 'he was ready to go to Heaven'  and the first time he used the phrase "When will Jesus give me my wings so I can fly to Heaven". Julia was one of his special 'confidantes'. Through her loving, generous and imaginative play, she had been awarded a very well deserved place in Willies heart. Julia was definitely 'in'. His trust in her complete. Julia was taken aback when he shared this with her, what a profound thing to say for someone so young. She was in shock and couldn't stop crying. She telephoned Zoe for us to go and collect him, as she was in pieces. Apparently she remembers sitting in the reception area of the school waiting for us, blubbering whilst Willie chatted amicably with lovely ladies on the reception desk. They had no idea why Julia was upset, and apparently probably too scared to ask!

 Her role as a teaching assistant at that time was shared with another lovely lady, Monica and together they helped amuse and keep Willie vaguely focused on learning at school. I think Willie had his way of engaging them in activities he enjoyed more than the reading and writing chores on his timetable. They kept him safe and happy, which helped Zoe relax when she knew he was in good and capable hands.

Co-incidence? God-incidence? I do not for one minute think 'nice' is reserved for Christian people - I  know many of us can be truly awful.. I believe we are all Gods' children and made in His image even if we do not have a personal faith. Zillions of people without faith are the most loving, beautiful human beings... even if they have no belief in The Lord, He can still use them in His incredible plans. So I do thank God for you Julia, Ryan and your family. I believe God did use you all  intricately in Willies story.

Following  on from Annie Poppins...Julia also flinches when I am near, as again we are poles apart...she is also a very organised, clean and tidy person. But whereas Anne serenely walks about, Julia is efficiency itself. Speeding here there and everywhere. No nonsense - just get on with it...whatever 'it' is. I imagine her frustrations ran high walking along with Zoe and I as we procrastinated daily. However I never remember feeling uncomfortable, as she never showed it. Her patience and loving heart giving her an understanding that enabled her to be what Willie and Zoe needed her to be.

 Julia is a flyer...she runs, gallops, bikes, walks incredibly fast - nothing done at a sedate pace, nothing is wasted. Recently her and some close friends ran a few miles to raise lots of money for the John Radcliffe Children's hospital in memory of Willie.I regularly witness her walking/running fast round the local area, hardly looking out of breath.

Always smiling, she is one of life's encouragers. Once Willie had moved in with us and we knew he was counting down, there was no point in making him get up at a certain time, get dressed and make him sit on a chair quietly for a few hours, so education became bottom of his agenda. Willie I am sure would have breathed a huge sigh of relief...no more school - every cloud did have a silver lining.

We talked to Mrs Plackett the head teacher who agreed that as Julia was still employed as his teaching assistant on a one to one basis, that she could continue her hours at home, sharing education with him until he was too tired to take part. Thankfully Julia recognised the type of learning Willie would relish, hence the drilling lesson with Ryan on our brick gate post.

The excitement alone knowing Ryan had arrived to visit him was right up there - imagine you were about to meet your hero, well Willie was meeting his. Ryan has a lovely way with youngsters, he is a hands on dad to their three (now not so young) children. He was a natural with Willie making him giggle all the time.

I discovered my gate post having big holes drilled in it, as I followed the sound of giggling outside. I had missed the moment Ryan put the buzzing drill carefully in Willies hands. I can only imagine the inner joy of a boy that had tried and tested all available toy drills since the age of two, now moving on to the real thing...and to be teasing 'Miffy' by making holes in between the bricks  appealing to his inner 'naughtiness'.

Watching the cheeky pair, Ryan knelt down carefully guiding and instructing Willie on how to drill holes properly, lots of head bending chuckling coming from beneath the blond curls, I sensed the boy had tasted Heaven for those few precious moments.

As Willie reluctantly handed back the drill, Ryan promised him a ride in his builders van. That promise was enough for Willie to let him go, and saying "thank you Ryan, I love you", he waved frantically whilst holding that promise in his heart. Ryan did keep his promise, but not in the way he had originally intended. I will tell you that tale later. Suffice to say Ryan fulfilled one young man's dreams that sunny day..

Julia continued to educate Willie reading him story's, with a twist to make him laugh, swinging him high in the park for hours at a time, pushing him for a walk in the fresh air in his three wheeler special pushchair, emergency bag in tow. Whatever Julia did, Willie enjoyed and would tell Julia he loved her. Willie's capacity to love and to inspire love was overwhelming. Nothing better than a Squidgy hug from this wise little soul, saying "I love you, Julia" ...he always said it looking deep into your soul, from the eyes within his heart, making you melt like never before, he always said your name making it personal and meaningful.

Rheanna loved the Winfields' to, and if Willie allowed her to be involved she would enjoy their visits immensely. The two of them got to know and love all the family including Julia's mum who had her legs amputated during this time. A smiley stoic lady, fiercely independent like her daughter I often see her racing around miles from home in her motorised scooter. Julia's mum lives with them at the top of the street and Zoe would often take the children up to visit or chat to them as they passed their house on the way to the fields for a walk.I could write reams of tales here, but I trust you have the general picture of a provision just perfect for one very special little boy.

Soooo...Co-incidence or a God-incidence...Sorry Julia I'm definitely voting for the God-incidence lol x