I was in a magazine interview this week. And that question came up. It often does in interviews… “What is one of your favourite stories you have featured in the last 11 years?” Ma’am, that is like asking which child is your favourite. And we’ve written over 30,000 good news articles. That’s 30,000 children. But of course, I answered. My “favourite” story changes daily. Maybe hourly. If that interview had been earlier or later, the answer would be different. But for some reason, in that moment, this one came to mind. In 2024, we published Natasha Mulusa’s story. The PE resident kept pictures of an Uber driver who unknowingly saved her life 4 years earlier, hoping she would one day find him and thank him. Natasha had climbed into Bartho Dick’s car. She was battling deep depression and trying desperately to pretend she was okay. Then Bartho asked one simple question: “How are you?” Natasha burst into tears. Uncontrollably. Bartho could see that this was more than just a bad day. He asked if he could stop the car, pulled over, got out and asked Natasha to do the same. Then this complete stranger gave her a warm hug and reminded her, without really knowing it, that she was not alone. It took her 4 years to share that story. “He may not know it but on that day I was ready to commit suicide. I was ready to end it all and just throw in the towel… Thank you Bartho. Words or any gift will never match what you did for my life that day.” Eventually, Bartho saw her post. I love social media. The 6 degrees of separation have become 1. He discovered for the first time what his kindness had done. He put up a TikTok video. “I never knew I saved her life. I was just there to give her a hug, as I knew she wasn’t okay. And look at her now, 4 years later and she is living a really good life. For anyone out there, remember that there is light at the end of a dark tunnel… and you can be that light for someone else, without knowing it.” I am sharing this with you today for many reasons… I want you to know that you are not alone. And I want to remind you that if you are going through a tough time, a dark tunnel, please try to find the lights around you. Look for them. Reach out. They are there. I am also sharing this to inspire you to be the light. If you’re lucky enough to be in a good space… be the light for others. A simple smile to a stranger. A kind hello. A “how are you” with meaning has the ability to help someone. Your kindness can literally save a life. I searched for Natasha on social media this morning. 6 years after that day and she is still living her best life. She has moved to the Netherlands. She is a mom. And about to welcome a new baby to the world. And she looks really, really happy. She has started vlogging and is sharing her life with the world. There is light at the end of a dark tunnel. And with grace, and hope, and kindness (for yourself), even if we are going through tough things, we can get through it… and eventually become the light we were searching for. Thank you, Natasha and Bartho, for allowing us to tell your story... and for being such bright lights in this world. Okay. Love you.