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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

more of a wwyd - a stranger who has been really good to us.

43 replies

ithoughtofitfirst · 23/09/2014 14:42

We live in the middle of a housing estate that's being built in phases. Our block of flats was one of the first finished but since we've lived here there have been about 20 houses built around the back.

A man in a fork lift would drive passed our living room window upwards of 50 times a day but every time he did he would wave at ds in the window. We called him digger man for ages because we didn't know his name but we did get to know him more over the months and learned his name, a bit about his life and he would always stop and let my son look at the digger. Whenever i was struggling to get ds in his pram or with shopping he would help in some way. He even gave ds a little card for his 2nd birthday addressed 'to my little friend' and a ten pound note inside.

He's been gone for about a month and we've really missed him. On my way to my scan this morning the site manager stops me to tell me he is very seriously ill and won't be working again.

I really want to do a nice gesture for him but don't know what, i don't know where he lives but i reckon i could get something forwarded to him through the site manager as he will no doubt have his details.

Wwyd? I'd really appreciate suggestions. I'm thinking card or letter but i feel like i want to do more. I don't think he has any family Sad

OP posts:
LemonDrizzleTwunt · 23/09/2014 18:28

I think that if it wouldn't be weird, and if you have the time, include in the letter that you'd like to bring your ds to see him. A visit might cheer him up?

Kitsmummy · 23/09/2014 18:30

You could perhaps write in the card that you'd be happy to visit him if he was happy for you to do so?

LemonDrizzleTwunt · 23/09/2014 18:34

Great minds...Kitsmummy Wink

ithoughtofitfirst · 23/09/2014 21:10

I was thinking of going to see him. If i can. Its a good suggestion. We've gone from seeing him every day to nothing and i can tell ds is disappointed. He still says "see digger man?" every day.

This card is looking good btw!

OP posts:
waithorse · 23/09/2014 21:38

You and he should lovely. Smile

creampie · 23/09/2014 22:27

Make sure to include your address so he can write back if he wants to. I know he goes past your house but he might not be aware of your actual address.

Maybe get him a little plastic digger from your son?

Really nice idea, OP Smile

londonrach · 23/09/2014 22:58

Can we see a photo of the card, we had a special post,an when we growing up, cat lady and easter egg couple.. Strangers can be good (all these three different people were known to our parents). Diggerman is someone your ds will remember all his life...

stiffstink · 23/09/2014 23:19

Summats in my eye!

OohQuack · 23/09/2014 23:24

Ooh put a teabag in with your card

ithoughtofitfirst · 24/09/2014 06:15

Hehe a teabag in the card is a good shout.

Photo coming up! Once everyone is awake I'll take a proper one on the tablet.

OP posts:
Nerf · 24/09/2014 06:43

Not sure a visit is a great idea. He may be vulnerable and in bed/hospital and it's very different when you are both equals to him not being in a digger and not being active. May not go so well if your son isn't expecting that.
I think a card is enough really.

ithoughtofitfirst · 24/09/2014 06:56

Mmm good point nerf

Maybe if he suggests it we could but otherwise I'll stick to the card and note saying we're here if he needs us.

OP posts:
ithoughtofitfirst · 24/09/2014 07:46

As promised.

Inside says dear "digger man" thinking of you and missing you from our day love ds, mum and dad. Also a little note with dh's mobile number, our address and just saying give us a shout if you need anything and a smiley face.

Will pop to town later and get some pics developed.

more of a wwyd - a stranger who has been really good to us.
OP posts:
PumpkinsMummy · 24/09/2014 08:00

That's lovely, so thoughtful of you. Lovely to think of a new friendship being made. We too had some lovely friends as children that were special to us, including the lollipop lady at school, a lovely neighbour who's dog we walked and treated like a second nan, and a lady who lived close by when I was 3. I still remember them all very fondly, so even if your DS is too little to remember the digger man from his own memory, he will love to hear the stories from you.

ithoughtofitfirst · 24/09/2014 08:27

Aww that's lovely. I'll never forget Vernon the lollipop man from my childhood. He always had mint humbugs Grin

OP posts:
IScreamForIceCream · 24/09/2014 09:27

That's really lo2verly and you see very kind. I am sure that Digger Man will be extremely touched.

Nerf · 24/09/2014 18:38

Good plan, that's really nice

Gatekeeper · 25/09/2014 09:10

Nicest thing to do; doesn't put him on the spot feeling awkward and he can decide to get in touch if he wants to

I still remember our rent man back from the late sixties; he always had Sports Mixture sweets and gave the black ones to me

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