Last week, on a bus journey, the driver stopped the bus, called me over, handed me some money and asked me if I would kindly give it to an elderly homeless man across the street. It was pouring down with rain and the entire encounter left me emotionally speechless. This driver's name was Stephen.
When I got home, I thought about it. I thought about the problems I was worrying about at the exact second that situation happened. It made me stop and look at the hill I was dying on. It made me realise how small it was and how there are others out there infinitely less fortunate and others who are infinitely more thoughtful.
I thought I would return the favour, he made my and many other people's day.
Since I'm the closest thing Liverpool has to Oprah. I called around my friends who run and work at local businesses, asking if they can donate something to give as a present. To thank him for being a shining example of what this city is. My job was to try and find him, which I did.
The response I got back from local businesses was jaw dropping. Everyone I spoke to, without hesitation donated some of the coolest things ever: A bottle of Rum from The Jacaranda! A bottle of bourbon from the lads in Tavern on the Green! 2 memberships cards and a bar tab from Independent Liverpool! A basket of cheese from The Liverpool Cheese Company! A burrito & beer for two courtesy of Evil Eye! www.MikeBrits.com helped me organise everything And last but not least, Mr. Miyagi, one of the prettiest restaurants in town went all baller and waxed on/waxed off a voucher for dinner for two and a bottle of wine worth £50!
So I get in touch with Ste and arrange to meet him under the pretence of giving him a thank you card (wish I had a hidden camera crew). He shows up and before I even say anything, he asks me if I'm going to town, hands me his old army sleeping bag and asks me to give it to someone who needs when I get there.
This was the second time he nearly made me cry. This ex army, married father of one is the embodiment of what this city is. Pure love for all who need it.
In these dark times around the world, it's easy to get lost in the sea of negativity. I thought we would shine a light on something positive, someone great, make an example of someone who should be an example, lest we get lost in the dark.