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Sharon’s handcrafted gift for Joy two years in the making
At Headway Black Country, friendships are forged not just through shared experiences, but also through the thoughtful acts of kindness that make our community feel like family.
This month, one of those moments came to life when Sharon, a regular in our sessions, surprised her friend Joy with a handcrafted wooden box, two years in the making.
Sharon began making the box for Joy as a surprise gift, but progress was slow because the two friends attend the same sessions.
“I knew Joy loved elephants, so I wanted to make her something that reflected that,” Sharon explained with a smile.
“The biggest challenge was the time I could only work on it during the weeks she wasn’t in, so I had to be patient and remember where I had left off, sometimes after weeks or even months away. It took a lot of focus to pick it back up and keep going, but I really wanted it to be special for her.”
The wooden box, decorated with beautifully carved elephants, was finished around the time the group had been exploring elephant-themed activities, adding an extra layer of meaning to the design.
When Sharon finally presented Joy with the completed box, Joy was visibly moved.
“I was over the moon,” she said. “I couldn’t believe she’d been working on it for all that time. It’s just beautiful. I’ll treasure it forever.”
The moment captured more than just a kind gesture; it reflected the genuine connection between members at Headway Black Country.
“It means a lot to me,” Sharon added. “Joy is my friend, and I just wanted to do something nice for her. It shows how we all look out for each other here.”
These small but powerful moments show how Headway is more than just a place for the people we work with to rebuild their lives after a brain injury. It’s a place where people rebuild not only skills and confidence, but meaningful friendships too.
Kieran Pugh, Headway Black Country’s Life Skills Coordinator, said:
“For two years, Sharon has resiliently worked in secret to craft this box for Joy. Each element of the box was thought of, and made with, love and compassion; eventually culminating in a fantastic gift that is as wonderful and strong as the bond between the two.
This is more than just craftsmanship, it’s a testament to healing, hope, and friendship. This is what Headway Black Country is all about.”
