Today I read something really, really sad. According to a press report, a man fell to his death from a building. That in itself is a dreadful piece of news but the article went on to say that, as police were trying to talk this poor man down, onlookers were shouting for him to jump. These people didn't even know the man, they had no idea about what had driven him to such a desperate position, they didn't care, they just watched with no empathy whatsoever and shouted such hateful things. How on earth did society fall so low?
I don't watch much television, and avoid reality programmes like Big Brother, and I'm a Celebrity totally. Soap operas seem to be full of hate, trauma and infidelity. I once asked a friend if there were any happily married couples who had a good life in any of them and was told "Don't be silly, that doesn't make good telly!" But why not? Why is people being happy, kind and understanding poor television? And if this is all people see as they grow up is it any wonder that they can become emotionless and detatched and have no feeling for a fellow human in need?
When I was growing up, my Dad would not even allow me the luxury of sulking, he would kneel down to my level and tell me "You can stop that young lady, you will smile at people. Some of them have dreadful lives and your smile may be the best thing to happen to them all day" I didn't dare sulk in front of Dad, poor Mum got that. But do you know something, my Dad was right. I have had many a bad day turned around by a friendly smile or a kind word. My parents always told me to try to see things from others' points of view and not to judge when you have no idea about people's lives.
In my lifetime I have seen terribly sad things happen but I have also seen wonderful things and true acts of love, some of them major things, some small ones that still have an impact on people's lives.
The day we moved into our Avenue one of our neighbours popped over to introduce themselves and to ask if we had unpacked the kettle or would like a tray of tea and biscuits bringing over, another brought a potted plant and we were left a nice bottle of wine. None of them overstayed their welcome but all made us feel truly at home within a few hours. All these people have become friends through sheer niceness. In our avenue everyone looks after everyone else, that is as it should be. Nobody is nosey or oversteps their place but they are supportive and are there at a moment's notice if needed. When you move here you become part of a caring community. That is what the whole world needs. People who care.
Over recent years we have had family losses that have broken our hearts, our neighbours have supported us and helped us through difficult times, some have had similar experiences and were able to empathise and guide us, those who hadn't, brought flowers and kind thoughts. My children have had support from their friends who are also very young. It is a wonderful feeling seeing human nature at its best and knowing that here cannot be the only place in the world with such compassion.
Indeed it is not. A few days ago I read about an elderly lady who makes a beautiful dress every day, adding an individual touch to each one to be sent out to the poorest children in the world, another act of pure love. Yesterday on Twitter I read a thank you from a Mummy to another mother who had donated her child's organs to keep her child alive. The world is full of these amazing, loving people.
Every act of kindness, no matter how small has a ripple effect, whether it is a smile, a kind word, taking time to help a neighbour, friend or stranger, all change the world for the better and I for one think that is a pretty amazing thing to do.
My Mum used to have a saying "Don't let the world drag you down" She was right. Sometimes we watch television dramas or news articles and believe this world to be a horrible place. Maybe it is, but it is also a truly wonderful place, full of good, kind people who make a difference and ensure that this is a world in which I wish to live and one in which I am happy to raise my children. So next time you find yourself telling somebody about an awful thing that has happened in the world, remember that there are also some pretty fantastic things happening out there, being performed by ordinary people who care a hell of a lot and, let's face it, are real superheroes.
Lovely
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