My brother’s kindness during Storm Éowyn

An unexpected joyful moment comes to mind as I reflect on my experience of the recent damage caused by Storm Éowyn, with hundreds of thousands of homes that were left without electricity. It occurred when my brother John gifted me with a torchlight after our house was two days without electricity (a fallen tree in our area cut though a cable).

I had a conversation with my brother earlier that day: I mentioned that I needed candlelight to eat my dinner and read before bedtime. John clearly listened to my experience because a short while later he said, “Here’s the torchlight to use. It’s fully charged”. I was pleasantly surprised by the gesture, and I thanked him as he returned to his own home abroad. I felt as though I was gifted with another Christmas present!

I used the torchlight over the last couple of evenings while much of my neighbourhood remained in darkness. The light enabled me to read the newspaper with a tea and chocolate biscuit and to clean the kitchen and freely go about my house. I passed much time in blissful silence with the memory of my brother’s kindness. The houses behind my garden were also in darkness but my heart swelled with warmth and appreciation with the use of the torchlight. It was as if John said, “You’re not alone. We’re in it together.”

Although this is now the sixth day without electricity, I still feel connected, centred and peaceful. I feel a sense of warmth between my brother and me. I relish the small but deeply meaningful gift of love and gratitude.

I also hold my neighbours in my heart, all those affected by the fallen tree that broke the electricity cable. I hold the thousands of people throughout the country that are still without electric power. “We’re in it together,” I say. From the connections between brothers who share their light with each other to the many other connections between families, friends and neighbours – “We’re in it together.”

Perhaps we’re also encouraged to get in touch with our inner light. A light that shines brightly through accepting our frustrations – such as with real life situations like being without electricity – and by coming as we are.

For me, I am helped to face the winds of Storm Éowyn with the generosity and loveliness of a simple action. I am smiling with warmth and tenderness. I am passing through the storm with joy.