Loss and pain are a part of life – it’s better to face them together

Afriend told me of a loss she lives with. Another friend talked about the recent death of his mother.

I visited the hospital with another man who was told his health situation was only going to get worse. Those were three people, on three consecutive days, I just happened to be in touch with.

Mostly, I focus on the positive, the kind, the upbeat, and I still do. My three friends remind me that loss and hurt are also a part of everyday life. Each of us will know, whether we know it or not, people for whom each day is a battle not to be lost, one to get through in the best style possible – despite all they are up against.

If you are one of those people, then I salute your courage and your inspirational spirit. If you aren’t one of those people and you support one who is, you also have my appreciation and thanks.

We get through this life better – together! Be kind to each other on your morning commute.

You might be standing next to Margaret.

She will be on her way into the city centre to volunteer in a charity shop.

She doesn’t really know the area.

She fled there to a women’s refuge, where she was helped by some wonderful people.

They inspired her to want to give something back, hence the volunteering.

And to get to this unpaid job – to do something for others – she emptied her penny purse to help buy a ticket.

I just happen to know about Margaret but if she is making the journey, how many more wonderful people might there be travelling alongside her?

Be kind to each other on your morning commute. I thought the little girl was getting into trouble when I heard her grandpa say: “Hey!”

She stopped and replied: “Are you going to say you love me?”

He laughed, and asked: “How did you know that?”

“Because you always say that,” she replied.

Catching my eye as they walked by, he smiled and said: “If, when I shuffle off, I have told my children and grandchildren I love them one more time than they need to hear it, I will not consider my time wasted.”

As ambitions go – despite the rolling of the young lady’s eyes – I would say that is a very fine one! Two young women sat in the café, discussing the food they had put aside for their Christmas hamper.

They wanted to give a collection of good, festive food to someone at Christmas.

They had in mind an older person, perhaps living alone, someone who might not have many visitors.

But they were new to the area and didn’t know many people. So, they were keeping their eyes open and comparing notes in advance.

When they left I nodded after them and said to the waitress: “Wasn’t that sweet?”

“Sweet? Well… they live in the homeless hostel. They have hardly anything and probably won’t get anything themselves this Christmas. Sweet doesn’t really cover it.”

I finished my tea, trying – and failing – to think of a word beautiful enough.