We asked for help, a year ago.
It was hard to do.
Pride got in the way, many times; weariness stood over us, blocking our view
Of what help could mean, not just to us
But more importantly, to you.

Years of thinking we should be able to cope
Manage by ourselves, not admit any hint of defeat.
It felt wrong, somehow, to ask just for us
But we should not have been afraid to ask
For you.

Help emerges, stepping very gently in on our daily scenes.
Those tasked with listening, listened.
Compassion now walks faithfully, routinely, through our front door.
She rolls up her NHS sleeves, and as I back slowly away, out of sight, I glimpse her smiling, so very tenderly, at you.

We never knew, incredibly, we never knew!
That help intended for us meant new independence,
A new face, a new friend, a giver,
Someone new, as well as and other than us to smile with, nurture and care

For you.

“You can buy two sparrows for only a copper coin, yet not even one sparrow falls from its nest without the knowledge of your Father. Aren’t you worth much more to God than many sparrows?” (Matthew 10 v 29 The Passion Translation)