Hey hey hey!

While having lunch today, I saw two elderly guys taking turns looking after a baby girl. One was feeding the girl while the other guy was holding her still. They were seated at a table next to mine, so I asked one of the guy's holding the baby if he was the father.

The man responded "No, I'm her Uncle down for a holiday from the US. He's (meaning the other guy feeding) another Uncle who looks after her."

After some chit chat, the Uncle from US disclosed that her parents died about 6 months ago in the bus accident in Malaysia, which appeared in the Straits Times (with two other Singaporeans). The baby girl Julie, was flung out about 10 metres during the crash together with her baby seat. She was lucky to live. She was only 2 months old when it happened!

I listened silently. Said I was sorry to hear about the misfortune. I confess I was not in the best of moods this morning because of a neck strain. I was feeling crappy about myself! Meeting these two guys and little girl brought some PERSPECTIVE to my day. I had to refocus my lens, and look at the bigger picture. There are so many people out there who have it worse. I was both moved and humbled.

I told the two men I respect what they're doing. I could see these two gentlemen were quite fond of looking after the little girl. No doubt the local Uncle has to play the role of mother and father. I'm sure he has it tough, despite his appearing cheerful.

Before we parted I touched the little girl's arm, as if to bless her and feel blessed by her presence. Julie kept looking at me. I reassured the Uncle she's going to turn out fine. She'll be strong, brave, and she'll be a survivor! I offered my biz card to the Uncle looking after the girl and said if he needed to talk, just call.

Life could be short. Give your siblings, mum or dad... whoever's close to you and staying with you... a hug tonight. I know I'm gonna give my wife and kids a big one when I see them. In the blink of an eye, things could change unexpectedly. Let's not take people we care about for granted.

So.... here's a BIG HUG to you reading this too! : )