Gervase, such acts of kindness often betray the crusty exterior of curmudgeoness (now there's a word). I might have to start a list of all the wonderful things that have happened around this place, and this ranks right up near the top.
And, 'Spaw, is it in the "great plan" that special children wind up with such as you and Karen, or is it that they bring to the surface all that is good and kind within you. Sorry if this goes against the image you try to maintain of being a general pain in the ass, but it just so happens that you are well loved here.
All the best to both of you. This is what it is all about (and all too often isn't).