I set my alarm for 6am to enable me to join my friend, Zika, for her usual morning exercise routine. It felt as though I had barely dozed off when my phone let a loud notification so I quickly muted it when it beeped, and carried on with my sleep. I later woke up a few minutes to 8am.

I quickly went to check on my dad, to see if he had joined Zika to exercise. He’d been living with me for a few months because he took ill. Following a series of tests and treatments, he had begun to feel better and in great shape. To aid his mobility, improve his alertness and overall wellbeing, he often jogged in the mornings and would occasionally take walks in the evening.  Thankfully, Zika made sure of that (she is fanatical about exercising).

After exchanging greetings, my dad and I were engaging in small talk. He was telling me how the morning walk went. He spoke of a man who walked up to him to tell him that he did not feel like getting out of bed that morning but as soon as he remembered my dad would be out jogging, he was inspired to get up and go. Zika came in just as he was relating his experience. She had a huge grin on her face; dancing as she came into the room, holding a Shopping Bag. She excitedly took off from where daddy stopped and narrated how the man kept saying my dad was such a huge inspiration to him to continue exercising.

About an hour was put into exercising and my dad came back home. In her usual fashion, Zika stayed back outside for some aerobics.  She said the man they’d met earlier came to her and gave her the shopping bag with some items for her and daddy. He had gifted my dad, two pairs of running shoes, a pair of stockings and a Tee-shirt. He had also included a perfume for Zika. Again he was enthused, gushing about what an inspiration my dad has been to him these past couple of weeks. Zika thanked him and hurriedly came to share the news.

I was positively shocked and all smiles as I listened to her. I was in wonder at such a gesture from someone I did not know; someone my dad barely knew. It was very pleasant and definitely refreshing to know that people still cared for one another – that people could give without expecting anything in return. I was impressed by such a display of thoughtfulness and kindness. Despite the dark cloud of the Coronavirus pandemic, it is comforting to know that we haven’t lost touch with who we are. To think that my dad was merely going about his own business; doing what was best for him. Little did he know, that his actions made such an impression on someone.  I am grateful for the gift of life, family, friendships and other relationships. I am also reminded that gratitude is a value I must always have.

Image of Values from: davidsummertonconsulting

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