Remembering someone special

I’ve almost made it to a week of blog posts. Who says quantity over quality doesn’t work, eh? I’ve actually had more engagement than I was expecting. I just want to take the opportunity to thank those that have provided feedback, but also to the support I received for my post on Wednesday around anxiety. Has made me feel super blessed.

Today marks what would have been the 61st birthday of my aunt who past away last year. Still feels unreal that she isn’t here with us. One moment she’s living a completely healthy life, and the next she is taken away from us – but not without putting up a fight against a sudden illness.

She was a very bubbly character – always willing to help those around her. She was hilarious, though she probably didn’t mean to be a lot of the time – only making her funnier. Completely gullible so it was always fun to see how far we could go into making her believe something random. Extremely cautious a driver, I’ve never seen anyone check their mirrors so much when manoeuvring. But mostly she was so loving toward everyone she met.

The sad thing is you never really realise the impact a person has on you until they’ve gone. Appreciate each moment you have with those closest to you, because regardless of how long we live, our time will always be limited in this universe.

“Be kind” is a phrase that’s thrown around a lot these days. Printed on clothes, mugs, wall art etc etc. But how many of you can honestly say you live to be kind to those around you? I’m not one to preach – I can certainly do a better job being kind and giving people the benefit of doubt. You never quite know the battle someone is fighting underneath it all. Instead of getting annoyed at someone, maybe consider what they may be going through internally.

Mrs OddFather – who grew up in Australia – often says she notices people in the UK rarely greet others when they go about their day. In Australia, apparently it’s normal to say hello – or good’ay mate – to other walkers as you go for a stroll. To be fair I do say morning to those I go past when going for a run, and it can be a very pleasant gesture from others when I’m having a bad morning. Even something as small as greeting a stranger on a walk can make a difference to someone who may be having a bad day unbeknownst to you.

Today, we remember someone special. Today, we appreciate those we still have. Today, we practice truly being kind.

Happy birthday, Masi Ji. We miss you.