11376 Heartwarming stories...

Ok, I have just found a relevent story to start, in the deepest recesses of my feeble mind...

My girlfriend's sister found a kitten in the street, 'miaowing' like mad. It looked like it was in pain, so she brought it home. The little cat was definitely not in a good way, and a visit to the vet's confirmed that it had some kind of infection that had possibly affected it's liver or something...

Anyway, in the end, my girlfriend's family paid €300 - 400 for medical expenses for the kitten. (I'm ashamed to say that I remember at the time thinking 'Maybe they should just let nature take it's course... that is a very expensive kitten')

In the end 'Pistacchio' made a full recovery, and is the single most amazing cat I have ever seen in my life. He is completely adorable and will lie in your arms like a baby while you tickle his tummy and has a tendency to prevent you from moving by placing his head on your feet, using them as a pillow, in a manner that makes you feel guilty for having to move them.

He brings immense joy to the whole family, and is now just like another family member.

I guess the moral of that story is that I should be ashamed of myself for my callous initial thoughts, and that generosity is often rewarded tenfold by the recipient.

[quote=barrov;107696]After reading Alan_h's lovely story about his neighbours being super-friendly and helpful, I was wondering if anyone else has any heartwarming stories to recount about Italy or Italians...

If so, please share them, as it is the perfect antidote to the all-too-often negative news that we hear of in our world.[/quote]
My wife has been hopitalized for the most part of the last 50 days including off and on during christmas/new year period.People have been incredibly kind.not only inviting me to their christmas /new year dinners etc but neighbours undertaking the 3 hour round trip by car to visit her in hospital,another neighbours wife driving up every morning in the snow to give her an injection whilst she was at home,one came down from Milano (12 hour round trip by car) to see her in hospital.people offering to cook/wash/clean for me (which although i didn't require was amazingly kind) almost everyone from the post office,butchers bakers etc all asking after her, and our local doctor phoning me regularly after phoning the consultant specialist in the hospital to keep me and herself informed on my wife's progress (calling me in the evenings,on sudays etc)a real example of social solidarity that has been (and still is) very moving.

My cat,Misty came to Italy with me,but was already 17 and frail. We found a wonderful lady Vet here. When Mistys kidneys started failing,this young lady was incredible.
She came to the flat with her Mum,to give Misty fluids each day,as I didnt have transport. She rang every evening,even weekends to see how things were. She stayed open all hours so we could get to see her when my partner came back from work, and all she ever charged fpr was for the medicines.
She wouldnt take money for her time or treatment,as she loved Misty and the story of her move from the UK.
She finally had to come to the flat to put Misty to sleep,but brought a colleague to do the actual injection,and she cried herself too.
Her own pets have all been rescued from the street.
On Xmas Day,she even phoned just to see how I was doing after the sadness.
To find a professional Vet,not charging and going this extra mile,in London, would have been unheard of.
An act of supreme kindness in my eyes,during such a difficult and sad time.

[quote=Sebastiano;107710]My wife has been hopitalized for the most part of the last 50 days including off and on during christmas/new year period.People have been incredibly kind.not only inviting me to their christmas /new year dinners etc but neighbours undertaking the 3 hour round trip by car to visit her in hospital,another neighbours wife driving up every morning in the snow to give her an injection whilst she was at home,one came down from Milano (12 hour round trip by car) to see her in hospital.people offering to cook/wash/clean for me (which although i didn't require was amazingly kind) almost everyone from the post office,butchers bakers etc all asking after her, and our local doctor phoning me regularly after phoning the consultant specialist in the hospital to keep me and herself informed on my wife's progress (calling me in the evenings,on sudays etc)a real example of social solidarity that has been (and still is) very moving.[/quote]

Italy absoluetly at it's best! You must be very good folk to receive such kindness (I'm not sure everyone would get the same). I hope your wife is getting better every day and don't forget to look after yourself (accept some of the offers of kindness that will be coming your way too).

I am glad that you are getting the support over what must be a very difficult time for you both. Hope that times get better,
Angie

We have been totally amazed at the kindness of the locals here in Le Marche. When we arrived in 2002, we were living in the house, with restoration going on around us - you know the usual - very basic plumbing, showering in a grape bucket, and using the water to flush the loo, no kitchen, just a kettle, toaster and electric mini oven. So consequently we eat out every night at the pizzeria in San Ginesio. The family adopted us, taught us Italian on the paper cloths, helped with everything and anything, occasionally turning up to help paint and other small tasks, in between their shifts at the restaurant.

The best came at Christmas, when they discovered that we had no proper cooking facilities - we were literally kidnapped (6 of us) their insited we come to their home in sarnano on christmas eve and of course fed to bursting. This was not the end. The weather was appalling, deep snow and heavy fog. So Christmas day they opened the restaurant, so we didn't have to drive to sarnano and we stayed all day with them eating, drinking and dancing.

Needless to say since that time, we have barely managed to repay their kindness and it was a great way of feeling the hospitality of the locals.

There have been many more occasions when the local farmer has helped rescue stranded guests vehicles, and local produce left on our doorstep. What a great place to live!

[quote=Sebastiano;107710]My wife has been hopitalized for the most part of the last 50 days including off and on during christmas/new year period.People have been incredibly kind.not only inviting me to their christmas /new year dinners etc but neighbours undertaking the 3 hour round trip by car to visit her in hospital,another neighbours wife driving up every morning in the snow to give her an injection whilst she was at home,one came down from Milano (12 hour round trip by car) to see her in hospital.people offering to cook/wash/clean for me (which although i didn't require was amazingly kind) almost everyone from the post office,butchers bakers etc all asking after her, and our local doctor phoning me regularly after phoning the consultant specialist in the hospital to keep me and herself informed on my wife's progress (calling me in the evenings,on sudays etc)a real example of social solidarity that has been (and still is) very moving.[/quote]

That is incredible. What a wonderful place in which you live. I hope your wife makes a speedy recovery.

[quote=villa sibillini;107772]What a great place to live![/quote]

Hear hear. I love this country!