365 Days That Count - Day 33 - Humbled & inspired by 4 little boys <3

During my stretch after boxing I over heard coach talking about the local kids who sometimes get into the gym at night. Next thing I saw four little faces staring at me through the window as I did the splits. I waved and they ran away giggling.

I finished up and said my goodbyes before shuffling one foot in front of the other towards my car - it was a HECTIC session.

The next second I was surrounded by four little people. I am ashamed to admit that the South African in me immediately tightened my grip on my bag. But then I looked at them again.

Four little boys, not much older than seven or eight, all shoeless and scrawny with bright eyes and big smiles. No punch I'd made that night was as hard as the guilt that hit my stomach.

They asked me if I was a gymnast, how could I do the splits, had I been boxing for long, did I know coach, could I beat up a boy :) And then told me they all lived in the area, some around the stables and some around the new development on the outskirts of the forrest.

We got to my car which they knew more about than I did, although had probably never been inside one before. I asked if they wanted a lift at which point they all squealed and flew into the backseats, cuddling up under a blanket I had forgotten there.

I turned the car on and the track happened to change to a 50 Cent song which went down well. We drove past one of their Mum's on her way to work and they all hung out the windows
waving and shouting "do you like our car?"

By this stage I was smiling from ear to ear, my heart full with love for the innocent, happy and impoverished little people filling my car with their laughter and light.

As we drove past the security guards they all hid under the blanket telling me they told lies about them - I have no doubt that they do break into the gym and nick what they can get their hands on but to be honest, I don't care, if I was in their position so would I - I told them it was my car and I could put who I wanted in it and reminded them that I could hit boys, they loved that! :)

We got to the first house which happens to be next to my old stable yard. They live in a tiny, broken down out building - at this point I sincerely wished I'd brought my wallet so I said they could share the blanket and they agreed amongst themselves to let Derek - who was
getting out - have it for the first night.

I dropped the others outside their houses where Mum's were hanging washing and kids were playing football. I told them I'd see them next week and to be good and safe till then.

I drove home so grateful for the little time we'd spent together, so inspired by their tenacity and spirit and pondering all the things I could bring for them on Monday.

Writing this has made me very emotional, out of love and joy but also out of sadness that life can be so harsh and so cruel. Those little boys will always have a hard path, will always be tempted by crime of one kind or another but they are just little boys; sweet, beautiful little boys.

I can't change their circumstances but I can do my best to help them and I can be kind - which costs nothing and means the most.

Till next time.

Love,

Daisy xx

( @daisyd )