Last Thursday I attended my eldest son’s sports day.
Alex (my girlfriend), Izzie (her daughter) and Jamie (my younger son) were hanging round with the boys’ mum and her boyfriend.
All very ‘modern family’.
The boys’ mum is a doctor and does some forensic work.
She was on call at that time and, when she’s on call, she may receive a text through informing her of where she needs to go and what she’s expecting.
While we were waiting for the last event, I saw her check her phone and go “Oh”.
Being polite, I asked what was up.
She then showed me a text which immediately put everything else in context.
It hadn’t been a bad day or anything, but I was a little stressed by the kids.
And hadn’t slept well the night before.
And generally have a lot on at the moment.
The text read:
“XXXXXXX police station.
Gang rape.
Anal penetration.
Body and facial bruising.”
Even on the worse day I’ve ever had, it’s, obviously, never been anywhere near that bad.
No matter how annoying the kids are being or how difficult anything else is, it really is small (sweet) potatoes in the grand scheme of things.
Made me feel guilty for feeling a bit sorry for myself.
And for the last few days, I’ve made a conscious effort to not ‘sweat the small stuff”.
And be thankful for everything that is good in my life.
Which is 99% of it really.
Hopefully this email will do the same for you.
Much love,
Jon ‘Good life’ Hall and Matt ‘Margot Leadbetter’ Nicholson
P.S. 5 points for that middle name if you’re older than me (34), 10 if you’re younger.
