A conversation with a stranger

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to launch my book to a great group of sales rep for our distributing company. It was such a buzz.

On my travels back home to Sydney, I had organised a driver to pick me up from the conference to take me to the airport. My driver, Louie, asked how my day had been. I explained it was a great day with the launch of my book. He asked for more details.....as I continued to go on about the book, you could see the sincere interest in his eyes. Impressed, especially for a bloke! There was a reason why.

Louie explained that his sister had a baby three months ago with complications. They had been in and out of hospital with a series of operations. His sister had never fully recovered from the emotional trauma of it all and he asked me "Will she ever be back to herself again".

At that moment, I felt a huge sense of pride that my experiences from childbirth has finally come full circle and in turn, be able to help another woman. This is why I wrote the book and this moment validated I was on track.

I explained to Louie that she needs to get some professional help. He confirmed she was actually visiting a psychologist that day. I told him she has won half the battle. The first battle is admitting you are emotionally traumatise by the circumstances and that you have changed as a person. Changed with fear, with sadness, with depression.

I assured Louie that with the commitment to work at the issues, to confront the emotions and to grow as a person his sister will return to the person he remembers. It will take some work on the road of confronting the past, but the future, free of depression, is worth every step backwards and forwards. I encouraged him to offer her love and support, no advice, no lectures, just pure love and support.

As I left Louie at the airport, he gave me a hug and thanked me for the counselling session we had in the car. It was all in good timing for both him and me.