My Christmas Tale of the Egg Mayo Sandwich

In a little paper bag, the take-away kind, she handed me an M&S Egg Mayo and Watercress sandwich, plus a pack of Nurofen Express, liquid capsules of course.

It may be a strange way to start a story but read on and all will become a lot clearer.

I think it was a Wednesday in early November. As I walked my dog Kingston along our usual evening route, I sensed a nudge from the Universe to change direction and head down a side street that led to our local park. Odd because I often walk him there in the daytime but would never venture that way in the dark and certainly not alone.

As I turned into the side street, I reached out to the angels and Universe asking for their protection. Immediately, I felt a huge ‘orb’ encompass Kingston and I, but it was like a ZORB, it moved and rolled along with each step we both took. As we continued along the pavement, I felt a surge of energy in my legs and throughout me, like I was covered in a light weight armour plating. The universe reassured me that I was strong, brave and warrior like, there was no need to worry, all would be well.

Boosted by this energy, I walked faster, each stride filled with confidence and surety.

A few houses up from the park entrance, across the street I saw and heard two children trying to get my attention. Funny I thought, it was gone 6pm and they still had school uniforms on. They must be locked out I thought.

Both crossed over and asked for help. Brother and sister had got on a bus from the other side of town, had no mobile phones with them and it turns out may have misunderstood what their mother had instructed them to do after school. I pulled out my mobile and the young boy called his mother. I spoke with their mother and reassured her I would get them home safe and sound. Her name was Victoria.

I cut the dog walk short and headed back to my house with Kingston and the children. I asked them about school and friends, we chatted and I sensed how uncomfortable and awkward they were both feeling. I tried my best to help them feel okay and safe.

My husband called a taxi and we tracked the driver until they were on their street. I called their mother and said they were literally outside the front door. As we spoke, she thanked me for getting her children home safe and for my kindness. Then she asked if I believed in God and of course, I said yes. Victoria paused a moment and then said she was praying to God to bless me and my family. This may sound simple but there was something in the quality and conviction of her voice that made this blessing really stand out for me. I knew it was powerful and full of love.

Fast forward to Wednesday 18 December, when I had decided to do my Christmas shopping at Westfields. My goal to whizz around and get gifts for my husband and daughters. Since waking up that morning I was feeling sluggish and not too keen to get going. I rallied telling myself to stop being lazy as I had lots left to do still. I ignored my inner voice to rest up and took the tube to Shepherd’s Bush. On the station platform, the inner push to rest carried on. To help me recharge, I reached out to the angels asking for a surge of energy. Next, I began mentally chanting my usual prayers to Lord Shiva to lift my vibrations and help me through the tasks ahead.

Fully focused on my Christmas list I quickly got through more than half of what I had planned to buy and I had made a pact with myself that I wouldn’t stop for a cuppa and snack until I was done. I made my way to a well-known department store but was frustrated that an item I wanted was out of stock. The alternatives weren’t what I wanted. I left the store and stepped out onto the concourse and called my middle daughter hoping she could give me some suggestions. We chatted through other gift ideas and so I made a beeline for Marks and Spencers.

I went straight to the section I wanted but only the odds and sods were left! At this point I was getting pretty fed up and decided a cuppa and snack would help revive me to carry on with my shopping trip. It was definitely time to press pause.

As I searched for the instore café, I got a familiar, unwelcome jolt in my body. Oh no, I thought, please not now. The unwelcome guest was a medical condition I suffer from and knowing I had no painkillers with me, I hurried to the café so I could sit down and recover. As I entered the café the pain reared its ugly head. All I could think was to buy some food and a hot drink because that would surely help and give me time to muddle through. I kidded myself that all would be fine, I had this.

I plonked everything down and couldn’t get my coat off fast enough. By now I was in more pain and I was really, really hot. I spotted a water jug and paper cups the other side of the café and willed myself to go get some water. That would help. I gingerly walked over to the water, desperately willing myself to relax and reassuring myself that all was okay, all was fine and the pain would settle. After all, I had been through this so many times before. In hindsight though, never alone and never whilst in a busy shopping centre.

As I sat and sipped the cool water, the pain kicked in deeper and I was even hotter now, my forehead sweaty. I tried to fan myself with my hands and frantically searched my handbag for some paper or card but to no avail. My breathing was now rapid and I was blowing out of my mouth to help me navigate the waves of pain. I had to get a grip and take hold of this. I knew I couldn’t stand up or move now, so I had no choice but to squirm on my seat.

Two ladies I had seen at the till earlier had settled themselves a table away from me and I could see one of them was wondering if all was okay. I felt terribly embarrassed. I prayed I could hold it all together and not have a meltdown in public.

On it came, that relentless, piercing and unforgiving pain. What followed next surprised me as over the years I had become accustomed to managing these episodes but not today. Tears. Tears flooding without warning ran down my face and this made me so upset with myself. What the hell was I doing crying in public and why wouldn’t these tears stop? I had no control over them.

Then from the corner of my eye I saw one of the café staff get ready to bring my toastie over to me, he looked at me with concern and then came over with my plate of food. He asked if everything was okay and I replied I wasn’t feeling too well and could he possibly get me a card of some sort to fan myself with. He returned with a café menu and said he could call their First Aider to come and help. I said it was fine but what I really needed was some painkillers. He said he would get the First Aider.

I was desperately trying to cool myself down, use breathing to ease the pain and not look like a complete idiot in the café. I can only guess I was making a bad job of it all. Every muscle tensed and rallied to ride the rollercoaster of pain and now it just kept coming, with no relief even for a moment.

One of the two ladies who sat near me earlier came over and asked if I needed any help, was I okay? She spoke kindly and offered to take the fan and sit next to me. I was only too happy for her to do that as my focus right now was to manage the intense pain. Then Joan, an M&S staff member brought a cup full of ice cubes and transferred my water into it, saying sip this it will help.

The lovely lady fanning me suggested I could take my fluffy sweater off to help me cool down. I know it’s silly, but I’m a well-endowed woman and only had a tight little tee shirt on underneath. The thought of ‘exposing’ all in public horrified me, so out of unnecessary shame, I kept the sweater on, even though I was boiling over. To me, being seen in that tighter tee shirt was worse than passing out! I know, it is ridiculous, but it’s how I felt in the moment.

A tall, beautiful young girl came over. She was another staff member. She rubbed my shoulder and said don’t worry, you will be fine as we are all here to help you. Later I read her badge, her name was Hilal.

The First Aider arrived and the lady sitting next to me stood up to make room for her. I immediately asked if I could please have some painkillers and I would be okay. I knew the answer before she replied that she was not allowed to administer any, but was happy to get me an ambulance if I felt I needed one. I said I didn’t but insisted I just need painkillers. Of course, she couldn’t give me any. However, the lady who fanned me (why didn’t I ask her name?!), said she had some in her handbag. The First Aider calmly and kindly said she was sorry but wouldn’t be able to give me those. I jumped in and said I took full responsibility and would take the painkillers directly from this member of the public.

She brought the painkillers and was leaving the pack with me, please I said, I only need two could you take them out for me?? I couldn’t even do that right now as my unwelcome visitor was making itself well and truly heard. The lady then went to rejoin her friend.

Kafayat, the First Aider, now sat next to me and took over fanning to help me cool down. In my head, I thanked the painkiller providing angel, thank God she had some with her.

I don’t know how long Kafayat was fanning me, but in between Joan came over and brought her own personal battery driven hand-held fan. I took the fan but found it hard to hold it as I was still using my hands as balls of fists against the pad of the seat to lift me up slightly and manage the pain. Hilal, took over and said I’ll do that. Two angels flanking me, fanning me to help cool me down. I tried to string sentences together and we talked as the pain waves continued to crash down ranging from I’ve got this to OMG, I think I’m drowning.

At some point, my husband called and I couldn’t pick up due to coverage. So, Hilal connected me to the Wifi and called him back for me. I explained what was happening and insisted I was fine and that he shouldn’t leave work to come get me. I would manage and head back home when I felt strong enough to do so.

After what felt like an eon, I could feel the pain intensity was beginning to scale down, one wave at a time. Those beautiful orange liquid pain capsules had kicked in, relief was on the horizon.

Kafayat and I had exchanged lots of information about our lives and families in that time. Like women do. We are so good at asking questions, listening and knowing lots about each other in a short space of time. The entire time, she had remained calm, compassionate and loving. Softly speaking to me and telling me I was doing really well and that they were all there to help. When I said I was embarrassed about the tears and putting everyone to so much trouble, she reassured me there was nothing to feel bad about. All that mattered was that I was feeling better. She insisted I was brave, strong and doing really well in the circumstances.

I finally felt I could drink some sweet tea. Kafayat insisted on a fresh one and Hilal brought over a new pot of tea. I made it extra sweet and the hot liquid felt like a reassuring blanket to soothe my pain wracked body. I took a few bites of my toastie too hoping it would fuel me up ready for the journey back home. I explained to Kafayat that I had actually came to the M&S café because I love their Egg Mayo and Watercress sandwiches, but they had run out and I resorted to a toastie. She explained they would sort the sandwich out for me. I didn’t think much about it then and carried on drinking my tea. We chatted more and both agreed the liquid painkillers were really great and fast acting. All this time, she never stopped fanning me and remained a comforting and reassuring support beside me.

As my body relaxed, I could talk some more and we shared our thoughts on the fact that nothing in life is a coincidence. That the Universe and angels were always there to silently support us in our daily lives. We both sensed our spiritual connection, trusting this intuitive feeling.

The lovely painkiller donating lady was leaving with her friend and came over to ask if I was feeling better. I thanked her and we exchanged flying kisses as I still didn’t feel strong enough to stand. But I wished I had, because I wanted to hug her and say thank you heart-to-heart. Instead, she went with just a flying kiss and I wished I had asked her name. If only she knew how grateful I was because my words were simply not enough. I silently sent out a prayer of deep gratitude and love for her kindness.

Kafayat said she would be back shortly and asked Hilal to come sit near me. She insisted that I was not to be left alone. Whilst she was gone, Hilal and I chatted. She was flying out on a Christmas holiday soon and I really hoped she would have the best time ever. As she spoke I thought how beautiful she was, inside and out with a bright, warm smile that could fill an entire room. She reminded me of my daughters and was probably a similar age.

On her return, Kafayat apologised for holding me up and then handed me a small paper bag. The take away kind. Inside was an M&S Egg Mayo and Watercress sandwich plus a packet of Nurofen, liquid capsules of course!!

Pop the pack in your handbag she said laughing for when you need them again. She added that I was to go straight home, no shopping or looking for more Christmas gifts. I loved her motherly tone, she emanated such a caring energy and I was glad to receive it. I felt so much better and was gathering myself up to leave now.

Hilal came over to make a final check and I asked if I could give her a hug. I got up and went over to the other side of the table. We hugged and I could feel all of me full of love for her and truly grateful for all the kindness she had shown me. I thanked her and reflected on how much I liked her cheery, upbeat vibe. What a truly beautiful young lady.

Next, I turned to hug Kafayat. It was one of the best hugs I have ever experienced. Heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul, mother-to-mother, our embrace stood still in the Universe and was enveloped in unconditional love. Hilal chuckled and said she wished she could take a photo as it was the best hug she’d ever seen. We both agreed it definitely was. We continued to squeeze each other’s hands appreciating the warmth of the moment. Hilal left to carry on with her duties in the café.

Kafayat then asked me for another hug before I left and our second hug was even sweeter, steeped in spiritual splendour. I whispered to her ‘Thank you for being here for me’ and she replied it was a pleasure. She was glad I felt so much better.

We stood and looked into each other’s eyes, holding hands and talking about the fact that love and kindness is what connects us all and that everything else pales in comparison. I explained that her kind, calm and compassionate nature had truly helped me manage this horrific episode and that I felt she was like an angel that had come to help me. Her eyes welled and she said she really appreciated knowing that in her job, it meant a lot to her. I said goodbye and again reflected on Kafayat’s incredible beauty, poise and radiance. Earlier, I’d told her I thought she was so beautiful and she said she was a grandmother!! Well, I hope I look that amazing when I’m one too I said.

I slowly walked to the tube station with my shopping and as I exited Westfields and the cold evening air hit my face, a huge inner knowing came washing over me.

What had just happened was kindness completing a full circle.

In that moment, I knew Victoria’s prayers blessing me and my family had come to fruition. It dawned on me now why her words had stood out so much that day. I just didn’t know what impact they would later have for me. The angels had answered Victoria’s prayers. All the beautiful women who had come to my aid that day were aligning to their true selves. Kafayat and I had both said we didn’t believe in coincidence and we didn’t. Victoria was from Nigeria and so too was Kafayat. This was no coincidence it was a beautiful web of cosmic love.

A shopping centre like Westfields is packed full of glitz and glamour especially at Christmas. But on that day the light of love emanating from Kafayat, Hilal, Joan and the painkiller providing angel’s heart, outshone and out sparkled everything.

All that is sacred and beautiful about this time of year came to me wrapped in the wings of Victoria’s prayer and engulfed my very being, I felt infinitely blessed.

I arrived home safely and snuggled down on the sofa in a pair of comfy pj’s. In front of me was a steaming hot cup of tea and my M&S Egg Mayo and Watercress sandwich. I kid you not, it was the best sandwich I have ever eaten because it was steeped in love and kindness.

I replayed the day’s events smiling to myself and sending heaps of love and gratitude to all the amazing people who had helped me. My heart felt full, shiny and warm. I knew I would always think of the M&S staff as angels. Their kindness filled an entire year and then some.

When you experience something like I did you realise that we are all here to share our love wherever and whenever we can. The love we pass on is the magical glue that binds and unites us dwarfing any notions of division or separation. This interconnectedness and higher vibrational frequency uplifts everyone it touches bringing us home to our true selves. This love is a force so strong we are compelled to share it.

I end my story with a simple prayer, that all the beautiful souls who helped me that day are showered in eternal peace, love and joy. I also pray that by sharing my story you too are uplifted by the power of love and kindness.

(M&S Customer Services Reference 547023)

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