Curved Balls

Yesterday I was reminded that dealing with life's 'curved balls' is something which all of us face, to some degree or other. I had a call with someone who, despite being a dedicated and diligent employee, finds themself out of work, without notice or pay. Seemingly the company was heading for financial ruin and, having asked their employees to pack up, supposedly for an office space re-organisation, the directors did a flit, and filed for Administration. In the days that followed, salaries weren't paid for December and not a bean has been seen since. It's now June.

Later that day, I met someone in connection with RentStart's 'Sleep Out' campaign in November. RentStart is a charity in Elmbridge which offers prevention advice to people who are vulnerably housed, and house and support those who are homeless and is the charity beneficiary for Elmbridge Choir's Christmas concert on 14th December this year. Through a relationship breakdown this person found themselves homeless and fortunately had sufficient funds to move into a hotel. Many are not in that fortuitous position.

What struck me was that both of these people, through no fault or desire on their part, found themselves dashed on the rocks of disaster. The other thing that struck me was the fortitude and resilience they both showed in facing the facts, gathering what positives could be found, and selectively reaching out to others for support in spite of the very real stigma and judgement that exists for those not employed or homeless.

Wouldn't it be great if we, who perhaps sit in our cosy ivory towers, viewed those having tumultuous times with warmth and compassion, and found ways to help? What could you do, today?