I’m really excited that I will have copies of my first book ‘Growing Forward’ available from next week. There is also an undercurrent of nervousness – ‘will people like it?’ ‘is it any good?’ going on, but overall I am looking forward to it coming out.
I was recently talking to a group of people about my story and it struck me that if a certain Irish gentleman hadn’t practically taken me in off the street and given me a job in London in the mid 1970’s I wonder what would have become of me. Of course, I had lost touch with him and his wife many years ago, but writing the book and speaking about my life has made me realise that I owe these people a lot. So, I decided, after nearly 35 years, to try to track them down. Yesterday, I hit on the right combination of words on my Google search and the lady’s name came up on Facebook. Fortunately, she had left her photo visible, and I was able to see that she was indeed the wife of the man who had given me a chance all those years ago.
Yesterday afternoon I sent her a message on Facebook, and she has replied. Unfortunately, her husband passed away three years ago, but I have been able to thank her for what she and her husband did to help me when I was in need.
What are you doing to help others, or are you only interested in helping yourself?
“What are you doing to help others, or are you only interested in helping yourself?”
An excellent question Graham! Collective concern and society’s well-being should be embraced with all the vigour that goes into individual enterprize. They can and should enhance each other.
I have just spoken to my Mum! And that is my Dad you are talking about. He always always believed in giving everyone a chance. I look forward to meeting you again…. but do you remember me??!!!
Caroline – it was great to hear from you! I have just been on Skype with your Mother for nearly two hours, catching up with all that has been going on for the past 34 years. I remember you and your brother John really well from when I worked for your parents at Grafton’s and The Horseshoe. I’m only sorry that I won’t be able to personally thank your Dad for everything he did for me.
I look forward to meeting up with you soon and I’m sending your Mum a copy of my book next week!
You got off likely with two hours – the expression ‘hind legs off a donkey’ springs to mind! Dad would have loved this but better late than never. Good luck with the book!
Thank you Caroline – check back here later because I am going to write a blog post about your Dad today, and with your family’s permission, I would like to dedicate my second book (which I have already started) to your Dad’s memory.