In the post below Patrick has asked me, and now that this blog is open to comments you, to have a think about something. He describes the heart breaking situation of a mother who, ill with cancer, is desperately looking for help. The father of the children is mentally not in a position to help. Patrick spotted that she left a message on a message board looking for help and has basically asked me to have a think about helping.

Firstly, I think we should contact her, and let her now that we want to help. I think that would help. I’d like you to let us know (here in the comments) that you want to help too. You basically let us know that you want to help.

Secondly I think we should meet her. I think that we should show her that we care (and the “we” here is Patrick and myself). I think we should make the effort to get up, yes stand up, move away from our little computer worlds and go and visit her. I want to talk to her and show her that we really want to help. I want to show her that we really are taking this seriously.

Then I want to find out what the problem is. I want to talk to the authorities and hear the nonsense that they will inevitably tell us. I want to talk to the neighbours about why it is impossible for them to help this woman. Then I want to talk to the relatives of the woman and hear why it is impossible for them to help this woman. Then I want to set up a meeting, a local meeting and invite the community to come and tell us why it is impossible for them to help this woman.

And when we have done all of these and more things Patrick, we can present our solution to this woman and all of the people we have talked to. We show them our innovative solution to this problem.

I know the answer/the solution already, but we need to help them get there. The answer is compassion. It’s the hardest thing in the world to achieve. And THAT’S the real problem.

Can you try and get in touch with her Patrick please.