01/25/2026
There have been so many times in my life
when someone has rescued my day. Turned it around. Made it, even.
And most of the time, it wasn’t through grand gestures or huge gifts that these people made such a difference. It was through tiny gestures which, in the end, were huge.
It was a smile from a stranger or a hug from a friend; a message of appreciation or
a note on my desk. And it made me feel seen. Valued. Loved.
I’ve been hugged when I was falling apart.
I’ve been smiled at when I wanted to cry.
And I’ve been told that I mattered when I felt like I didn’t.
And each time, that small gesture was the thing that helped me carry on. Not forever perhaps, but for a little while at least.
And it makes me wonder how many people’s days I might have
made,
turned around,
rescued,
without realising.
How many times I might have offered someone the smallest of somethings without knowing how greatly they needed it.
Because no, a smile won’t mend someone’s broken heart; but it might wrap around it like a blanket, and cushion it from further breaking for a while.
A hug won’t put someone back together when they’re falling apart; but it might just keep them together long enough to get through the day.
And a kind word won’t make someone love themself. But it might remind them of their worth just long enough to make them smile as they climb into bed that night.
So don’t underestimate the power of something small. You might think you can’t make a difference forever; but forever starts now. And your smile,
your arms, your kind words... they might just make someone’s day.
And they might just change - they might just save - someone’s life.
*****
Becky Hemsley 2024
Beautiful artwork by Julia Blackshaw
This is newer poem, so it isn't in any of my collections at the moment. Details of all my existing works can be found on my website: beckyhemsley.com
