IT’S ALL too easy to take a gloomy view of the world and its inhabitants when there appears to be so much war, crime and bloodshed.
So, when a story comes along that speaks of love, devotion and generosity, it deserves to hit the headlines.
This week The Examiner featured a tribute to a tiny tot whose short life was celebrated by the woman who chose to care for him when so many would have shied away from the responsibility.
Becky Howe from Bradley had cared for her two-year-old nephew Jack Murphy since his birth.
Tragically, Jack suffered from a rare and cruel genetic condition called Menkes Syndrome, which he had inherited from his mother, who has learning difficulties.
Becky and her partner, who have two children of their own, gave Jack a loving, caring home until his untimely death last weekend.
The tiny boy was not expected to live more than six months and had up to 40 seizures a day as well as severe disabilities.
Looking after him must have been demanding, stressful and heartbreaking. But Becky has spoken only of the joy Jack brought into their lives.
She said: “He couldn’t smile but he could respond to our voices and he had his own personality. He loves his cuddles and to play in the bath. He has touched us in so many ways.”
The family was supported through Jack’s illness by The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice. In lieu of flowers at Jack’s funeral on Monday mourners are being asked to make donations to the charity.
While Jack’s story is tragic, in the truest sense of the word, it also highlights the fact that, despite what we might sometimes believe, there are still good and caring people in the world.
