Here in England, spring is turning slowly towards summer
Hello my friend
I’m sending you my thoughts and good wishes from Farnham in the south of England. My name is Sophie, I am 54 years old, and as I sit writing this letter I am thinking about how strange and wonderful it is that two people who have never met can still reach one another through words.
I recently ran the London Marathon for the first time, which was a huge personal challenge for me. I ran in the same race as Sabastian Sawe, a Kenyan, who created a new world record of running a marathon in under 2 hours. (My time was 5 hours 38 minutes- nearly 3 times as long as his!!!) This was a poignant moment for me, as many years ago I made a documentary film about Kenyan runners – and I was met only with kindness and respect by everyone I met whilst filming. And now, in writing this letter to you, I am hoping to make yet another English-Kenyan connection!
I did not want to write to you only about difficulties or struggles, because you are far more than the place where you live. I imagine you as a person with memories, favourite foods, opinions, talents, laughter, and dreams for the future. Those are the things that truly make a life.
One thing I have learned as I have grown older is that kindness matters enormously. It can seem small at the time – sharing food, listening carefully, helping someone carry a burden, speaking gently to a stranger, but often these are the moments people remember for years. Kindness tells another person: “You matter. You are seen.”
The world can sometimes feel noisy, divided and hurried, but I still believe most people long for the same things: safety, friendship, purpose, and love. I hope you have people around you who make you feel valued and respected, and I hope you know that your life has worth far beyond what others may see on the surface.
Here in England, spring is turning slowly towards summer. The gardens are full of colour and the evenings are becoming longer. I often walk and notice how much comfort there is in ordinary things – birdsong, a cup of tea, a conversation, sunlight through trees. These little moments remind me that hope is often quiet rather than dramatic.
Although we live very different lives, I wanted to send you this simple message: never underestimate the goodness you can bring into the world. A kind person changes the atmosphere around them. Even in difficult places, kindness creates dignity, courage, and hope.
I send you my warmest wishes and my respect.
With love and friendship,
Sophie