Returning home on the afternoon of the 27th of February from the funeral of an admired university friend left me in a deeply sorrowful mood, feeling sad for his widow and for their grown-up sons and daughters, wondering how the family would cope with grief and loss. He was a good man, the best of men.
Waking the next morning to the news that a reckless war had begun in the Middle East amplified my sadness to embrace a state of melancholy, a sense of hopelessness at the outlook of global politics and the diminishing prospect for peace and harmony throughout the world.
However, an event happened a few days later that opened a fissure and let hope trickle in. Let me explain.
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Thursday 5th March 2026.
When I first penned this blog post a few weeks ago, I thought that this (true) story did not have an ending. An outcome presented itself this very morning.
Perhaps you have had this kind of salesperson arrive at your doorstep: a man (usually young), carrying a very large bag over one shoulder – he is on a mission to sell you household goods. He will show his identification and tells you that he is part of a scheme to encourage youngsters into work. In the past we have purchased many useful items from several of these young men. The problem arises when two salesmen (it is always a man) call within a short period, with the result that we disappoint the most recent caller.
About a year ago, an older man, Steven (not his real name), knocked on our front door and set his huge bag of items on the drive next to where he stood. Steven showed us his identification, then went on to explain that he had served time in prison. He had been inveigled into illegal activity: he explained that he desperately needed the money at the time of the offence. As part of his rehabilitation, Steven took part in the door-to-door scheme, determined to put his life in order. My wife and I were very touched and moved by Steven told us: we purchased several items. Steven’s gratitude was as genuine as his story; we bade him goodbye and wished him well.
A few months ago, Steven called once more, again hefting a large bag of household goods on his shoulder. Fortunately, a long enough period had elapsed since his first visit, which meant that we needed replacement items; he also had several new products that we purchased. Steven told us that he had been in training for a new job but had narrowly failed to qualify. He had to wait six weeks until a date arose in December (of last year) so that he could try again. His evident determination to change the course of his life affected us deeply. We wished him all the very best.
“God bless you, both of you,” said Steven.
“We don’t want to see you here again with your bag,” said my wife, smiling broadly.
Steven shook both of us by the hand, shouldered his bag and went on his way.
We put the date of his re- test (a date in mid-December 2025) in our diaries in the hope that we might hear from him.
Three months had elapsed without receiving any news about Steven. I was on the point of posting the story so far when he rang our door bell this morning. Our hearts sank when we saw his large bag of household goods at the ready.
“This will be my last call,” he announced. “I’ve got a job!”
We purchased some household items that we didn’t really need before wishing Steven the very best of luck.
This is a story with an ending, a very joyful ending: Steven has given himself and his family hope for a secure future.
David Muir 