So for the 4th day in a row this place is as grey as you can possibly imagine. It’s wet and dreary and it’s almost as if the seasons have just given up for the next few months. Not very good for psychological wellbeing. I fact, it positively encourages self-pity. And then, as I walked out of Charing Cross Station this morning, I saw him – an old boy, not far short of 90. And showing it. And there he was, standing proudly in the dreary damp morning light in his army uniform, back ramrod straight. He’s collecting money for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. And he has the look of a man who has earned a precious perspective on life in some very unpleasant situations.
And he has not forgotten.
Feeling at once morally chastised for my self-pity by the man’s selfless behaviour, and immeasurably more optimistic about life, I emptied my wallet for the old boy. Gladly. I’m paying a far cheaper price than he had to for perspective. And a smile.
