Man In The Mirror.

"I'm gonna make a change. For once in my life.  It's gonna feel real good.  Gonna make a difference.  Gonna make it right.

As I turn up the collar on My favourite winter coat, this wind is blowing my mind. I see the kids in the street with not enough to eat. Who am I pretending not to see their needs?. 

A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top. And a one man's soul.  They follow each other on the wind ya know. 'Cause they got nowhere to go.  That's why I want you to know.

I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways.  And no message could have been any clearer. If they want to make the world a better place. Take a look at yourself and then make a change.

I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love. It's time that I realize. That there are some with no home. Not a nickel to loan. Could it really be me pretending that they're not alone?

A willow deeply scarred. Somebody's broken heart. And a washed out dream. They follow the pattern of the wind, ya see. 'Cause they got no place else to be. That's why I'm starting with me."

Lyrics courtesy of Glen Ballard and Siedah Garret, produced in 1988 by the immortal Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.

I'm starting with me.

In memory of my late wife, Angela, I intend to make her so very proud.

Fifty years together and she slowly got me to realize that helping others makes all of us feel good.  My focus is now on helping those that cannot help themselves.

Guide Dogs for the Blind was Angela's favourite charity. It ran in the family. Her brother, Roger, gave a Forever Home to a Stud Dog called Amos. Angela helped out with fund-raising for a while. I've volunteered to help in any way I can.

Blindness has been described as "The Worst That Could Happen" - imparting a range of emotions  from shock, anger, sadness and frustration to depression and grief.  It isn't life-threatening but it brings huge anxiety about a host of issues. When eyesight fails, some become socially disengaged, leading to isolation and loneliness.

I have volunteered with www.sightconcern.co.uk  a charity based In Worcester that seeks to introduce "befrienders" to those in need.

You know how I'm a sucker for stories, right? These from the Charity's website:

"A lady in her seventies would appreciate occasionally going out for a walk, to a café or maybe to a garden centre"

" A lady in her 80's who lives alone and is interested in the environment, gardening, butterflies and birds would like a regular visitor."

"A lady in her 90's who uses a wheelchair would like to get out occasionally and maybe go to a café."

" A lady who loves gardening and used to have her own farm would love regular visits."

"A 90-year old  man who lives alone in Evesham with no family nearby would love a weekly visit. He can no longer get out and finds the days very long without any company. He has a great sense of humour and lots of good stories to tell."

It's bad enough being lonely without the added burden of sight loss. I need to help.

For the time being, www.birminghamchristmasshelter.org  is the other charity on my to-help-list.

Shelter Week 2023 is opening its doors again to provide hot meals and drinks, entertainment, services, emergency clothing and a safe warm place to sleep for those who are homeless, or just lonely over the Christmas period.

Jobs vary from greeting guests when they arrive, serving food, setting up and closing down to working in the kitchen or café.

I've led a very sheltered life:) and a very privileged one. Married to the girl of my dreams for longer than any many could reasonably hope and happy as I could ever be, it's time to see what else is happening in the outside world.

I'm curious - it's a core value of mine and the stories that people tell will no doubt shape my future beliefs.

I'm hoping to make the world a better place. To make a change. Starting with me.

I'll let you know what I uncover.

Hope your Christmas 2023 brings you joy wherever you find it.

Chris.

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