18/08/2022
I used to regularly meet a lovely man with his dog last year while walking in the countryside near me, we’d always smile and exchange morning pleasantries. One day we met when I was further down the footpath than normal, he stopped and said, “Am I late or are you early.” It was just his manner and the way he spoke which hit a cord and resonated with me, I perceived him to be a kind, friendly and caring person and he left a very positive and impactful impression on me, some people just have that way about them.
I found out from other walkers recently that he has had a life changing experience and lost someone very dear to him. I can only imagine what he has been going through and what he has yet to experience. I wouldn’t be so presumptuous to say I know what he is going through, we all deal with grief differently and in our own way, but I know he has been on a tough journey already and he’s got a long hard road to tread now.
It is almost a year to the day since Linda left us, I miss her terribly and not day day goes by when she is not in my thoughts. I often wonder how I got through the year, but when I stop and think I realise that the support and love of my family, friends, colleagues and special people who come into our lives is invaluable in helping get through the pain of grief and start to build a future which I couldn’t see a year ago. The journey still has its twists, turns and setbacks to negotiate, but through the support I’ve had I know I can continue my journey.
I hope and pray that this kind man finds his pathway forward and has the support of family and friends to help him.
