This morning, as the first rays of sunlight painted the sky during the AA Step 11 sunrise meeting, one of my dear friends had a small but brilliant slip while reading the AA preamble. Instead of saying “AA is a fellowship of alcoholics,” he said, “AA is a fellow sheep.” It was a delightful misstep that brought a smile to everyone’s face. For me, it was especially meaningful—it connected so perfectly with the journey I’d had the day before.

Yesterday began with me feeling like a lost sheep, dreading the thought of wandering around Chester alone while my daughter, now blossoming into a young lady, went to see her boyfriend. My mind was spinning tales of discomfort and danger, conjuring up images of getting lost or, as a friend jokingly said, “lost sheep end up in barrrrs.”

But the day unfolded in the most surprising way. Joining my “flock” on the sunrise meeting recharged my positivity, setting a warm and hopeful tone. After dropping my daughter off, I parked in the heart of Chester, ready to embrace the day with an open mind. Following the wonderful suggestions from my friends, I discovered treasures at every turn.

One friend recommended a record shop, which turned out to have a treasure trove of second-hand books as well. Another mentioned Chester’s abundance of charity shops, so I made it a mission to explore them all. Along the way, I stumbled upon a few hippy shops selling crystals and carvings—exactly the kind of place I love. Then, a quieter gem: a little-visited section of the Roman wall with breathtaking views. It was peaceful, serene, and perfect.

When the cold finally seeped into my bones, I sought out a coffee shop a friend had praised for its bacon and egg butties. They were every bit as amazing as promised. While I warmed up and did some writing, an elderly lady, struggling to read the menu, sat at the table beside me. Without hesitation, I offered to help, and after she ordered, she invited me to join her.

Her name was Lillian, but her friends call her Lilly, and she was an absolute delight. We fell into a deep, genuine conversation that felt like catching up with an old friend. She was fascinated by my writing, which I explained was inspired by the wisdom I’d absorbed from my AA journey. She listened intently, and before long, we were exchanging stories about life, loss, and resilience.

Lilly shared that she had lost her son ten years ago and her husband shortly after, leaving her to navigate life on her own. Her weekly trip to the coffee shop was her little treat. Wanting to do something for her, I asked the staff if they could create a large-print menu for her. They thought it was a brilliant idea. Before she left, Lilly gave me her number, saying, “Please call—I’ve loved this conversation.” I promised I would, and I intend to treat her to a custard slice soon.

Reflecting on my day, I feel so blessed. Though I spent the day on my own, I was never truly alone. I’m lucky to have people who love and care for me so much that their suggestions turned what could have been a dull, cold day into something magical. I am grateful for their thoughtfulness and support, and for the chance encounter with Lilly, which reminded me how deeply rewarding human connection can be. My heart is full, and I can’t wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings.

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Serendipity in Chester

The sun, a painter, kissed the sky's soft hue,
As AA met, a fellowship anew.
But words took flight, a whimsical refrain,
"A fellow sheep," the speaker did proclaim.
A slip of tongue, a laughter-filled embrace,
A poignant echo, in this sacred space.

For yesterday, a lost sheep I did roam,
Chester awaited, far from cozy home.
My daughter ventured, a blossoming soul,
While anxious thoughts, within my spirit, stole.
Of getting lost, a chilling, lonely plight,
"Lost sheep in bars," a friend's grim, jesting light.

But sunrise meeting, a beacon in the grey,
Recharged my spirit, ushered doubts away.
With open mind, I braved the city's heart,
Following whispers, a brand new, guiding art.

Record shop treasures, a bookish delight,
Charity shops, shining ever so bright.
Hippy havens, with crystals, a mystical gleam,
And Roman walls, a serene, peaceful dream.

Then warmth and comfort, a coffee shop's embrace,
Bacon and egg butties, a savoury taste.
An elderly lady, with eyes that held a plea,
Struggling to read, her spirit yearning to be see.

I lent a hand, a simple, kind deed,
And conversation bloomed, a comforting seed.
Lilly, her name, with stories to impart,
Of loss and resilience, a brave, beating heart.

Of writing's solace, a journey she did share,
Inspired by wisdom, beyond all worldly care.
We spoke of life, its beauty and its pain,
A bond forged quickly, a sweet, enduring chain.

A large-print menu, a thoughtful, small request,
A gesture of kindness, putting her mind at rest.
A phone number exchanged, a promise to call,
A custard slice treat, awaiting one and all.

Reflecting now, a heart filled with such grace,
Though solitude I sought, connection found its place.
The kindness of others, a guiding, gentle hand,
Transformed the day, a magical, wondrous land.

For Lilly's encounter, a reminder so true,
Of human connection, shining ever anew.
And as the day fades, and shadows softly creep,
I cherish the memories, a beautiful day I’ll keep.
Forever!