Strangers are often only friends you have not met

A result emerging from events of years, then not long past, my faith in human nature had been viciously assaulted. Chance was set to challenge me on this.

Suffice to know that I had a permit for a weekend hunt in a small bush block in the Waikato. I had headed out on the morning and drove to a suitable access point whereupon I readied my pack and rifle. Chance would have been grinning I am sure.

It was early evening following a cold May night in the bush, and a rather longer than necessary walk, that I returned to my van. Having misplaced my keys, along with my cellphone, food, bedding and other ancillary though wonderfully useful items on my brief sojourn into the bush, I wondered how to break into my van. After a little, I realised that getting in the van would offer little or no succour.

I then headed down the nearby farm driveway come tanker track. Arriving level with the entrance to the farmhouse I saw, as I assumed correctly, the farmer coming towards me from the direction of the cowshed. With no slight embarrassment I outlined my plight to him and with a jocular demeanour he invited me to follow him to his house.

Bill, as he had earlier made himself known, proceeded to introduce me to Janet, his wife. The kind offer of a hot drink was accepted and indeed it was merely a prelude to the dishing up of a fine meal. I shared their meal with them and chatted quite freely, Bill's frequent jibes and chuckles at my predicament only serving to lighten the atmosphere. Such open generosity and friendliness, already immensely appreciated, was about to be overshadowed. Following the washing up, Janet showed me to the spare room, the television remote and the makings for a hot cup of whatever. They then casually stated that they were off into town for an evening of indoor bowls, wished me a good night and departed. I was as stunned as I was grateful. A complete stranger only about two hours previously, I had been left alone in this friendly couple's home. I attempted to watch television and have a cuppa but the situation overwhelmed me and I simply went to bed.

I arose in the morning to once again share their meal and to find that they 'happened to be heading' to my town and nearby to my place of residence and thus offered me a gratefully accepted ride.

Events ensuing from my meeting of these beautiful people is not ended here but this narrative, by necessity, is. Two kind hearted and trusting people made such an impact on a blighted soul that it stands as one of the amazing memories of my life.

Thank you once again Bill and Janet!