This week, I received the most wonderful surprise when a bouquet of wildflowers arrived at the door.

As it was not Valentine’s, or our wedding anniversary, I could quickly discount my husband as the sender. A secret admirer? Nope!

As it turns out, the flowers were from a very inspiring woman that I had interviewed earlier in the year.

Of course, as journalists, we are just doing our jobs when we write stories and we don’t ever expect anything at all in return; we are just grateful when people agree to share their personal stories with us. But it was a touching and generous gesture that really lifted my heart and spirit during a challenging week.

It got me thinking about the power of gratitude and the simple act of saying “thank you” to somebody who is “just doing their job”.

I have been up and down to Cork University Maternity Hospital a lot since the start of May, having discovered at the 10 week scan for our third child that there was no heartbeat.

Sadly, we are no strangers to the world of baby loss, but as well as shock and grief, I had some other issues, which meant return appointments and extra stress and uncertainty, both physically and emotionally.

Never underestimate the power of those two simple words: “Thank you”

I was feeling exceptionally sorry for myself at one of these follow-up appointments, when I met a new doctor who I had never come across before.

I have always received great care in the pregnancy loss services, but this person was so kind that I really felt compelled to send her a thank you card afterwards to tell her what her compassion and clarity had meant to me on that difficult day.

A few weeks later, I was back in hospital; and happened to meet her again. She told me how much my little card had meant to her and that she had hoped she’d see me again in person to thank me.

I suppose working in such a busy and challenging area as pregnancy loss- where you have to deliver or interpret bad news several times a week, if not several times a day- you might not get much “thanks” for your work; when people are so obviously in pain and reeling from their loss, it is completely understandable.

But it really helped me to know that my token of gratitude had made her day a bit brighter too.

So, never underestimate the power of those two simple words: “Thank you”.

And in that spirit, thanks to all our readers who continue to support us, week in and week out.

We’ve a great edition lined up for you; Janine Kennedy explores the wonders of Wicklow (Holidaying at home) and meets the family behind Killruddery House and farm (A living history), Ciara Leahy continues her childcare series with a look at Core Funding, Niamh Gunn kicks off a new series going behind the scenes of the summer agricultural shows (Summer Shows) and Anne O’Donoghue talks to the woman who is putting a Co Limerick village on the map in the world of contemporary art (Contemporary Art in Rural Co Limerick)

I hope you enjoy it.