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Yesterday some terrible news came to light. I heard it on the radio – and as every other listeners did – my heart sank. Normally I don’t talk about terrible news. It’s horrible and depressing – and I prefer sunny and cheery. But when it involves little people that aren’t getting the love and care they deserve – I think it should be talked about. Because I think there’s stuff we can all do to make some change.
It is a sad reality that things aren’t peachy all over. Some children lead stressful, difficult, confusing lives. Their parents may not be able to care for them properly – for a variety of reasons. And perhaps nobody knows their plight. They’re pretty much navigating this tricky life without any support at all, and it’s a perilous journey.
We all need to do something, to avert disastrous outcomes for these kids.
Don’t turn away – turn towards these families. Perhaps they are the ones you might usually avoid? Now’s the time to change that. If they are on your street or in your apartment block or round the corner from you – be sure you start to say hello. Every time. Keep an eye out. Help them carry their shopping. Chat to their children. Smile. Ask how they are when you see them in the street. Care about what they say. Listen. Tell them things about you. Take them a jar of jam if you make some. Get involved in whichever tiny ways you can. Don’t let them be invisible. Because we are all in this together – and if people are getting left behind, if children are being forgotten, then we’re not doing a good enough job as a community.
You could also visit The Mirabel Foundation website – to find other ways to help children who really need your support. Or you could get involved in Softies for Mirabel – and make a toy for a kid that probably needs some extra hugs.
But the main thing is, don’t let the day pass without thinking of a way that you can make a difference. Because you can. And it’s the right thing to do.
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