Adversity struck my family last week in an abrupt and brutal way. Despite our anguish we found out that sliver linings really do exist.
My dad, who is 84 years of age, was assaulted and robbed in a rest room at a busy shopping centre. It was around lunchtime in broad day light. He was punched, knocked unconscious and suffered a broken nose and deep lacerations to his lips. The young man who did it, took dad’s wallet and watch and then rewarded himself with some retail therapy using dad’s cards.
This blog however is not about the assault, the robbery or the distress to my family; instead it’s a good news story. It’s about a community that has rallied around us, surprising us at every corner with love, kindness and compassion.
Every single person who came to mum and dad’s assistance on that day, the security guards at the shopping centre, the paramedics, the staff at Royal Brisbane Hospital and the police, were simply amazing. They assisted two elderly people, in shock and hard of hearing, with kindness and compassion every step of the way.
AND the kindness didn’t stop there.
The day after the incident I received a phone call from the Constable assigned to the case saying that a lady had walked into a nearby police station wanting to donate $100 so dad could replace his watch! I was speechless.
AND still the kindness didn’t stop.
My sister took mum and dad back to the shopping centre a few days later so dad could thank the security guards for assisting him. They were thrilled to see him and said to dad that if he ever felt unsafe they would personally walk with him around the shopping centre and would escort him to the restrooms if needed.
AND there was more kindness to come.
Security also advised that some fundraising had been happening behind the scenes. The shopping centre community had donated a sum of money so dad could replace his watch and wallet. One lady had even contacted a dentist in the local area who had agreed to replace dad’s shattered dental plate for free.
In a few weeks time mum and dad will go to the shopping centre, be shouted to lunch and taken shopping so dad can buy a new watch. A new wallet wasn’t required, as in anther wonderful act of kindness his granddaughter had already bought him a new one.
We could choose to focus on the unfairness and brutality of the attack however, we are choosing to focus on the silver linings instead.
The kindness and compassion of complete strangers, extended family and friends has left its mark on all of us, making us feel warm, safe and loved. Thank you to everyone who has supported us through this tough time, whether it be through messages, emails, chats, hugs and beautiful flowers. You have coloured our world with happiness once again.
Claire
It’s easy with what I do to focus on the negative. You remind me by example why it is so important to remember to look for the light. I thank you for that. Your dad will be fine. I know this because he created the likes of you and the apple never falls far from the tree. X
That is so true Philippe, I hadn’t thought about how easy it would be for you to slip into negative mode all of the time when you are surrounded by it constantly. That’s why it is so important to share good news stories too otherwise we don’t get a balanced perspective.
My heart goes out to you Claire and your family. Very sad. And it motivates me even more to do what I can to prevent this type of cowardly victimization happening to others. As always I admire your indomitable positivity. Inspirational. Philippe x
Thanks heaps Philippe, I thought of you when this happened and the amazing work you are doing in the space of safety awareness. I know my dad will be so much more alert of his environment now! It’s a shame that this had to happen though in order to raise his awareness! Who would have thought there was danger in a rest room at lunch time in a busy shopping centre!!
Dear Claire,
Thank you for sharing your heart wrenching and beautiful personal story. For me, it read as a poignant reminder that demonstrates the choices we make in how we view our experiences and our world and how these choices lead can lead us down different a paths. I loved reading about your silver lining path of kindness, compassion and generosity.
PS I also love the ‘thumbs up’ photo of you and your dad!!
Hi Vicki, thanks so much taking the time to comment. I wanted my story to serve as a reminder that we do have choices in the way we view things no matter how hard it is sometimes. I am so glad I hit the mark with it. I too love the photo of my dad, it was wonderful to see his facial injuries heal so quickly even though the emotional ones may take a bit longer!