A Clapham Common Angel Returned My Purse

Last month I was a regular granny in Clapham Common Park in London, pushing my grandson in the infant swing – all I could see was his smiling eyes. Nothing else in the world mattered.

I am 73 and had just arrived in London to celebrate my only grandchild’s first birthday and my son’s first Father’s Day.

One day, after our lovely time in Clapham Common, my grandson and I both went down for our needed naps in my son and daughter-in-law’s home.

When I woke up from my nap, my lovely daughter-in-law said to me, “You left your purse in the park by the swings. The mom who found it is on her way over to drop it off.”

When this mom appeared with her sweet daughter – both all smiles and grace at the door – all I could do was thank her over and over again. This is the story I pieced together from what she and my loved ones told me.

Retelling the Story

The mom had seen me in Clapham Common Park pushing my grandson in the swing. As she was leaving the park, she noticed a purse on the ground by the swing. She looked inside for identification and asked if anyone named “Verla” was in the park. No one by that name answered her.

In my purse was my phone and this mom somehow found and called my first emergency contact, my partner in Canada. He told her, “Thank you so much. I will call her!” The young mom replied, “You won’t be able to do that because I am calling you on her phone.”

Then this young mom found my eldest son’s number in the UK – my other emergency contact. She was able to reach him while he was in a corporate meeting. He excused himself and together they figured out the logistics of how to get my purse with my phone, credit cards, and government information back to me.

This mom offered to drop it off on her way home, saying, “It is no trouble – we close by.” Afterward, the thoughtful woman called my partner in Canada again to tell him that everything was sorted. He was relieved and so grateful that she took the time to call him back to let him know all was fine.

Back Home

Now that I am back to my small hometown in Canada, my friends are amazed and tell me how lucky I was to have had this angel find my purse. Her good will has spread across the Atlantic and will keep going. She is still making people feel good about other people in the world.

Since then, I have established contact with my Clapham Common angel. She said she and her daughter found the whole thing a “great adventure,” and they were happy to do what they did.

So, there you go, what a lucky little daughter to have a mom to model such kindness.

I do wonder, as someone who actively promotes green space research, if the latest data that shows generosity increases in green space helps to support angels like this woman.

According to the research, modern communities frequently struggle with a lack of social cohesion, loneliness, and, in some cases, high rates of crime because green space isn’t actively created. Green spaces act as social catalysts that encourage interaction, strengthening community bonds. Studies show that neighborhoods with more greenery have stronger ties, better “neighboring” behaviors, and lower crime rates. Shared natural areas increase feelings of community, belonging, and safety.

So, there you have it. My story, supported by actual research.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have enough green space in your neighborhood? Have you made connections with people you’ve met while walking around the park? Have you ever lost something at a public location? What stories can you share?