Francis Gay

“THERE’S really nothing you can say that would help. It’s just how I’m feeling.”

Mandy was going through a down time, for no particular reason. Her friend Jessie wanted to help, but there were no words that would make a difference. She just had to get through it.

Later that day, the phone rang. There didn’t seem to be anyone on the other end of the line. Then the music began. For the next 10 minutes Mandy listened to the most beautiful piano music and then the other person hung up.

The melodies did cheer her up. But what really blew the dark clouds away was seeing Jessie’s number on the display. Hearing that words wouldn’t work, her friend had found another language to express her love in. I SAW him, but I didn’t really see him. I thought he was shaking his head at the price of the supermarket whisky – and taking his time about it.

Another shopper brought his trolley alongside the first man and said: “I’m heading to the café for a cup of tea. Come with me.” They linked arms and walked away. So, what made the difference? The other shopper had obviously had his own battles with the bottle and knew the signs.

If there is any positive after-effect to be gained from the difficult times in life it might just be how they improve our eyesight, enabling us to see better those who are still struggling.

I hope they enjoyed that cup of tea!