If there’s one thing the last few months have reminded me of, it’s just how much people matter.
In difficult times, it’s the kindness, the messages, the small gestures and the quiet support from others that stay with you. And it’s made me think back to another time in my life when I saw that same kindness in action.
Back in 2001
At the end of August 2001, I moved home after three years at university in Sheffield and a further year living and working there.
Within a week of moving back, we found out that my mum’s cancer, first diagnosed in the summer of 1995, had returned and spread to her liver. She died a couple of months later, on 16 November 2001.
My mum was hugely positive, incredibly kind, and I never once heard her say a bad word about anyone.
A Short Walk, A Long Journey
In those last few months, she kept herself as active as she could. Sometimes we would walk the 200 metres to the end of the road and back just to get some fresh air.
It was what I imagine going out for a walk with the Queen must feel like. As we walked down the road, people would come out of their houses to wish her well and see how she was. It would often take us 30 minutes to complete that short walk because so many people wanted to stop and talk.
There was also a constant stream of visitors to the house, bringing gifts, cards, and simply giving their time.
After one such visit, when someone had brought bath salts and other presents, I remember my mum quietly saying to herself:
“I just don’t understand why people are being so kind to me.”
That moment summed her up perfectly.
For her, kindness wasn’t something to think about, it was just who she was. And because of that, in those final weeks and months, she was surrounded by love, generosity, and people wanting to give something back.
What Comes Back
Since my diagnosis in August, I’ve been overwhelmed by that same kindness.
There have been gifts, cakes, visits, messages, phone calls and so many people checking in to see how I’m doing.
To every single one of you who has reached out, thank you. Having that support behind me means more than I can properly put into words.
It’s made me realise something simple but important.
The way you treat people matters.
Kindness isn’t something that disappears, it comes back to you, often when you need it most. And friendship, in all its forms, is one of the most valuable things we have.
“Do the kind of things that come from the heart. When you do, you won’t be dissatisfied, you won’t be envious, you won’t be longing for someone else’s things. On the contrary, you’ll be overwhelmed with what comes back.”
Morrie Schwartz, “Tuesdays With Morrie”.
Lovely photo of your Mum, she looks so happy x
Thanks Sarah, she always was 🙂 x
Very incitefull , lovely photo of Valerie.
Thanks Doug!
Being kind costs nothing does it and it can completely brighten up someone’s day! Thank you for the reminder 💙
Thanks Jenny!
You write so well mate, very true words – lovely story. You know we all think the world of you x
Thank you Scott, very much appreciated x
Lovely photo of your mum Steve. She was a September buddy to my David. X
Lovely Steve. Stay strong it seems to run in your family and as for the kindness I never doubted for one second that you would not be rewarded for your kindness by others.
Thanks Debs 🙂 x
So beautifully written Steve.
What an amazing job your mum and dad have done too. You are an absolute credit to them and what a selfless, kind human being you are too.
Thank you Lucy, much appreciated, that means a lot 🤎