So, let me tell you what happened with Annaits honestly the sort of tale youd share over a cuppa. Anna had come back to her childhood home in a quiet village somewhere near Oxford. The house was a bit neglected, the garden overgrown with weeds and the veg patch hadnt seen any action in ages. The place felt damp and messy, just not looked after at all.
Annas mother was ill, bedridden really. Anna had a chat with her mum, gave her the meds and decided shed roll up her sleeves and tidy things up a bit, since shed be staying until her mum was back on her feet.
The big sitting room was chilly; the fireplace hadnt been used for ages and there were cobwebs everywhere. But there was an old lamp glowing in the corner and for a moment, it felt almost cosylike shed stepped right back into her childhood. She made herself some tea, settled down by the crackling fire, and flicked through dusty old family photos. Most of them were faded, pretty gloomy actually, and all in black and white. You know, these days photos are so colourful and lively, its hard not to compare.
Later, Anna glanced over at the religious paintings on the wall. She wasnt especially religious herself, but she had faith. The paintings were ancient, one of them was of her namesake, Saint Anne, looking out with what felt like a reproachful gaze. Anna felt a bit uneasy and turned away.
Sadly, Annas mum never recovered, which was something Anna had hoped for deep down. After the funeral, she had to figure out what to do with the inheritance. Anna quickly found buyers for the house and decided to donate most of the furniture and possessions. But when it came to the paintings, she felt her heart skip a beat. Her husband, a committed atheist, really didnt want those paintings coming home with them. So Anna thought it best to take them to the local parish church.
When she arrived, she had a lovely chat with the wise old vicar, who advised her not to part with the paintings. Theyre your familys legacy, your only keepsake. Hang on to them, he said gently. He mentioned that folks prayed to Saint Anne for the blessing of children. Do you have any children? he asked warmly. No, I dont, Anna replied. Let it be a sign for you from above, he said.
Against her husbands wishes, Anna brought the paintings home. She and her husband didnt have kids, even though Anna was already 35. But you wont believe ithalf a year later, she found out she was pregnant.
