I have been fortunate enough to receive some really lovely, thoughtful birthday gifts from family and friends. But somehow Sam (son no. 2) always has a knack of finding something simple that hits the spot and makes me smile... after he got over his "all girls like candles" phase that is! This year as well as some special bath goodies... "all girls like bath bombs" : )... he bought me a bag of banana toffee. I admit that it is not the most conventional of birthday gifts... but there is a story. Are you sitting comfortably?
Many years ago when I was just a small girl in primary school in Bury St. Edmunds, there was a little boy named Stephen. I remember him as a tiny boy with blond hair although what was most memorable about him was that Stephen had a withered arm - the result of an accident when he was a toddler, although that is not really relevant to the story. One morning break, Stephen said or did something unkind that made me cry... I can't remember what... probably just something silly. Stephen used to go home for his lunch and when he came back after lunch he had brought me a single wrapped banana toffee to say sorry for making me cry. And I've always remembered that toffee and how it felt like such a lovely thing for him to do.
Stephen disappeared from our school without explaination very soon after and there were awful stories spread about him dying because he drank bleach. I really hope they were just rumours and that somewhere there is a man called Stephen who remembers nearly fifty years ago giving a dark haired little girl a banana toffee. Isn't it funny the impact some people have on our lives and the things that stay with us. It made me realise the importance of being able to say sorry...
and gave me a life long love of banana toffee!
What a lovely story! :)
ReplyDeleteI have to say all Thorntons toffees are good ~ too good in fact!
Vivienne x
it is definitely a lovely story Gina and I know totally agree with what you're saying.
ReplyDeleteI've never met anyone who had a 'thing' for banana toffee before Gina. That Stephen has a lot to answer for, giving you that life long addiction! I remember stories like drinking bleach etc at my school. Weren't we a ghoulish generation? Best wishes for your birthday x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story Gina, and I love your freckles. I hope Stephen is still going strong and enjoying banana toffee. I daren't eat toffee for fear of disturbing my dental fillings, but it is gorgeous stuff.
ReplyDeleteIsnt it funny how small things stay with us. Whatever happened to him, he still lives on in that story.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't love banana toffee? My favourite is the banana and toffee whirl that you used to get at fairgrounds but don't anymore and candy floss just won't do!
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely story and it is funny the way some objects can evoke memories and feelings.
Happy birthday.
I must say toffee, banana or otherwise, is something I hadn't dare think about for a long time - pre dental bridgework and crowns days. Mmmm but now my mouth is watering! It will have to remain a dream.
ReplyDeleteOooh, lucky you, banana toffee! I stood behind a woman in Sainsburys yesterday who had chocolate limes in her basket and I was salivating...
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY!
It is amazing what will trigger memories isn't it? I hope you enjoy the toffee still.
ReplyDeleteDear Gina,
ReplyDeleteI love the gift and your story....
Belated birthday wishes to you!
Have a happy weekend.
I had never heard of banana toffee before! I hope you had a great day - belated Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteAmazing how it's the little things that often stick and should be a lesson to us on how we relate to children. Little things like a wave or a smile, or a toffee at the right time can make such a difference. I know the little boy who lives nearby was always afraid of us because we speak a different language and he couldn't cope with it, a small bag of chocolates and we have a lovely little friend with the sunniest of smiles. I hope Stephen is still around too
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday - rather late but hope it was good!Like the toffee story.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story.
ReplyDeleteI loved banana toffee too but I only remember it in slabs of brown, yellow, brown stripes. Mmm I could just eat some now!
rather late for your birthday..sorryxxhope it was a grewat one..it sounds like itxxlove lyndax
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat story Gina. Now I'll be on the lookout for banana toffee. Happy Belated Birthday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story and such a sensitive present, that said I'm off to Thorntons for a bag, I love anything with bananas, and these look too much :-)
ReplyDeleteYour new books are really beautiful, especially the Madonna
What a beautiful story, Gina. I'll remember this whenever I see banana toffee :)
ReplyDeletethank you for stopping by my blog, and leaving such a lovely comment! xx