So, I was up in the Phoenix Park today taking photos of the Bambi’s (deer) when I wandered into a bit of a mad scene, to say the least.
The man in the photograph (above) was sobbing uncontrollably and was clearly distressed. Families out walking and others in the park scuttled past him awkwardly trying to avoid him.
I watched this for 10-minutes before going over him and asking was he OK. He clearly wasn’t.
His name was Derek, and he just lost his wife that afternoon after a long illness. She had passed away days before they were due to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary.
There is a bench just out of shot to the left where he asked her to marry him all those years ago. I sat down with him there for a good half an hour where he told me about all the good times they shared and how lucky he was to have found his “soul mate”. I literally could have spent the day listening to him but he had to go and make the obvious arrangements.
I watched him get back into his car and drive off with a little smile on his face as he took a final look back at me on the bench, I assume that he was remembering the good times they shared.
R.I.P Margaret.
~ by Tomo840
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Kindness Blog 
That moved me to tears!
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Me, too, Erika!
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Awh, big hugs, Julie!
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So good of you to stop and talk to him. I’m sure it helped.
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Reblogged this on ONLYtheGOODnews and commented:
Sometimes, we just need to take time to listen.
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How wonderful that you were there to comfort him and most important–LISTEN to him. I think you saved his life. God bless you!
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After I lost my wife, and the world kept going like nothing had happened… I really felt that way! Sometimes all it takes is someone willing to listen for a little while.
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Beautiful. Thank you for talking to Derek x
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Yes I agree, thank you for taking the time to talk with Derek, my heart goes out to him. Bless you.
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Oh my kats!😿 I’m so thankful you were there fur him. God must have put it in your heart to take pictures at that spot – the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord – He wanted to work through someone to comfort that man! Thanks fur following His tug in your heart!💜
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How beautifully sad.
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Sad that so many scuttled past him. So glad your heart was moved with compassion.
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Such grief.
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Thanks for sharing. Important memories are matter most where they are made. Thanks for comforting him as much as you could.
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Beautiful!
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I have tears in my eyes. I am so glad someone spoke to and listened to this man rather than pretending not to see.
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So heartbreaking, but how kind to stop and offer help.
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It is sad that so many people avoided him and not go and ask if he was ok, good on you for doing so
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How beautiful. If only we stopped more often to listen to others, what a difference we would make. Good on you.
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