Simply July

 A bouquet

July comes after the hump of mid year. That means the shortest days of winter are behind us in Australia. So there's much to look forward to, in the coming Spring. July is when I usually receive flowers from my husband, because it's my birthday. Forty-five, this year. The mid year, of my mid life. It sounds so formal, when put like that. For me, it's really an opportunity to reflect on the fact, I've HAD this long.

See, I almost drowned when I was younger - somewhere between seven and nine.

If it wasn't for an overweight man in his thirties, who braved the current, in the creek I was being swept away on, well, I may not be here right now. A stranger who didn't know me, showed up, at the right time to make a difference in my life. If he hesitated, and ignored the pleas of my mother, like the younger, fitter men, on the sidelines - it may have been too late. He responded though, so I get to live. A real-life hero. An ordinary man.

Decorates the dining table

The day after my birthday this year, however, was a sad one. As a family friend died. They were nearly a hundred-years old. You would think it not very surprising at that age, but they were always so agile. I loved it when they would come visit, or we would go visit them. Old-fashioned conversations, always looking for the best in a situation. Even when the topic involved harsh realities. 

They had experienced many harsh realities in their life too. Surviving a war, a wife, and a son's death in his 50's. His daughter was placed in institutional care, when his wife got sick, as she had severe special needs and required, around the clock care. Yet despite all these harsh realities, our family friend, always made time for others. Always striving to make a difference.

Another ordinary man. But using every day, as an opportunity to listen or lend a hand, to someone else. Age simply wouldn't deter them. It's sad they're gone. I will miss them. But like me, they're lucky to have had that long to live. And they spent it well. 

A delicious treat

My birthday was very ordinary too. A bunch of flowers, kisses and hugs from my loved ones, cheesecake and ice-cream. Vanilla, of course. My favourite. I also spent a lot of time, helping others. I won't say how, as that's not the point. It's remembering that ordinary people, can do extraordinary things. Showing up at the right time, to make a difference. Even if it's just for the little things.   

So many people are helping out there: volunteers, parents, grandparents, Christians, non-Christians, friends, strangers even! Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things. With all the bad news to be had out there, I wanted to pay homage to making a difference. Lest we forget, what makes the difference.

Every day, unsung, heroes, doing extraordinary things. You might be one of them. If so, thank you. Because every contribution makes a difference.