There are moments in time that will leave an indelible impression on our minds.
Take, for instance, the report yesterday, about a group of firefighters in Vanua Levu who have been good Samaritans for a late colleague’s family.
Death can leave a gap in the lives of those affected.
It hurts those affected, and can leave families in disarray.
That’s when they need support the most.
When children are factored in, there is also an emotional aspect to contend with.
There is concern for those directly impacted by the death.
The report on the firefighters supplying one such affected family with boxes of groceries and school stationery would have touched the heart of many readers.
Such moments can be overpowering.
They stand as examples of the human spirit, and the emotional attachment the firefighters had with their fallen comrade.
The officers from Labasa and Seaqaqa fire stations visited the family of Semisi Batisaresare who died three years ago.
Mr Batisaresare’s wife Losana Batisaresare said the contributions helped her a lot. She has three children who all attend primary school.
She said the officers arrived with a supply of food to help with their lunch to school.
“I am unemployed and have been a housewife, so since my husband died, the fire officers have been visiting with groceries for my family.
“They have also helped out with my children’s stationery and have done this over the past two years.”
The good Samaritans visited the family at their home in Nanivuda Village in Seaqaqa.
“My husband was the breadwinner so after he died, life has been difficult but I am grateful to God for the lives of these officers.”
Her husband died from a kidney disease in 2017.
This report serves as an apt reminder for us about the spirit of giving, and friendship.
It epitomises the reassuring element of concern for the welfare of a fellow human being.
Sometimes when families stare at a blank wall, such actions can be uplifting.
They are powerful enough to motivate such families to push on in life.
With all the troubles we face daily, such tales are a refreshing reminder for us all of the fact that there are so many things that threaten to turn our lives upside down.
We can take what we want from this report.
But in the face of all the obstacles life may throw at us, there is hope.
For the late Mr Batisaresare’s family, his memory lives on in the minds of his workmates.
They have his back covered for now.
Acknowledgement is due for this group.
