John Bishop

Last week our daughter had a relapse. Her long standing health problem returned with a vengeance, and so last Friday morning, after a sleepless night in A&E, and having just settled her into her hospital bed, I found myself standing at the hospital coffee shop attempting to ask for a decaf tea and a pastry. I say attempting, because the words were struggling to come out between the tears. I had been so composed in the hours at A&E, so composed with all the doctors and health care professionals, explaining to them how on earth we were back here, a year after she had gotten out of hospital. But there I was, with the poor barista looking at me expectantly, but me quite unable to order.

Eventually the words came out. Eventually I had my tea and pastry. I turned to the milk and sugar stand, the tears still streaming down my face. It was then that I felt a hand on my shoulder. It remained there a few seconds, and with its warm comfort, I was able to catch my breath. I turned to find a woman standing there. She said nothing, but her eyes seem to say "It's okay. Steady yourself. Your'e not alone."

It was an act of pure humanity. It was an interaction that lasted no more than a few seconds, yet it allowed me to gather myself. I found a table. I drank my tea, and ate my pastry. There is no doubt that I cried more tears sitting there, but they were controlled, calmer.

I wrote my thanks on a scrap of paper from my handbag, handed it to the woman who was sitting on the other side of the hospital coffee shop, and returned to the ward. The rest of the day was to be long and arduous, spent in intense discussions with doctors. We all agreed that she would have to return to a specialist hospital.

I am accepting and at peace with the situation, but there was a very dark moment in that coffee shop. An act of human kindness helped me overcome the great fear which felt like it would engulf me, and I am grateful. We sometimes despair of the human condition, but ultimately I believe humans are good, and that love and kindness will conquer the depths of darkness. So let us love, and be kind.