Written in response to...
The things people do to help others.
Over the past year I’ve been witness to those going through incredibly difficult life events. I won’t say more here about the details except to say that the families facing these challenges have dealt with a reality that creates deep stress and trauma that is hard for anyone to deal with on a daily and ongoing basis.
Instead, what I want to talk about is those who witness these events. It’s easy to feel utterly helpless in these situations and to wonder if your clumsy attempts at consolation are making the situation worse rather than better.
But there are some people in this mix who, instead of offering quiet support over a cup of tea, decide more action is needed. It is their way of saying, this sucks, life is shitty, but maybe I can do something, however small, about the situation.
This is the story of one man who did just that.
Kevin Apps was so moved by the story of his friends’ grandson’s diagnosis of neuroblastoma that he decided to do something, anything and what he decided that ‘thing’ should be, was to walk from Melbourne to Brisbane to raise awareness of this terrible disease.
You can read more about his story here.
What struck me about the story was how difficult it is for those witnessing terrible events (let alone those living through them). We want to weep with our friends or family, to show our solidarity in whatever form it takes, but often feel at a loss to know how to practically help or how best to offer emotional support.
In deciding to do what he did, Kevin Apps reminds us that doing something is better than doing nothing. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture such as his, it can be as simple as offering an ear but being there is what counts.
And in being there, we remember and recognise the humanity in all of us. That we are here for a short time but in that short time we can relay kindness in whatever form it takes.
Thank you Kevin Apps for reminding us of the importance of doing something, and for reminding us that our gestures matter, now matter how large or how small.
Until next week,
Jacqui
Thank you Jacqui for sharing. It made me think about what we can do here in the Northern Territory and nationwide about the ongoing situation with Aboriginal people and deaths in custody. Another person has just been taken. It is not the fault of any one of us but it is the fault of all of us if we disregard what is happening. Systems need to change, attitudes need to change, governments need to be accountable for what is happening and for disregarding the inherent rights of Indigenous people. Sorry,got on my soap box there.