The moments that stopped 2018 being all bad

It feels like 2018 was a truly rotten year, but sift through the rubble and there’s plenty of heartwarming moments to show that humans aren’t so bad after all, writes Karen Brooks.

Today is the last day of 2018 and I know there are many of you who will be breathing a sigh of relief and thinking, thank God it’s over.

I know I will.

I don’t know quite what it’s been about the last 12 months but when I reflect back on them politically, socially, environmentally and even personally, I find unjust outcomes, appalling behaviour and a world that appears to be teetering on the brink of madness — and that’s just the politicians and politics.

But what about in other areas of life? Last week alone, a tsunami swept across Sumber Jaya in Indonesia killing hundreds, news that schools will continue to have the right to refuse to enrol transgender kids made headlines and Trump told a seven-year-old boy that believing in Santa was “marginal” — whatever that even means.

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The heroic and heart-stopping rescue of the Thai cave boys brought the entire world together. Picture: AFP/Royal Thai Navy

We ended the year with a different prime minister to the one who started it — a situation likely to be repeated in 2019 if the polls are anything to go by.

And to top it all off, Japan has just announced it’s quitting the International Whaling Commission so it can resume commercial killing of whales.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what’s wrong in the world except to quote from that Australian classic movie The Castle and suggest “It’s the vibe of the thing.” A deep-seated uneasiness that makes you aware of the widening seams in our otherwise terrific society.

There seems to be so much negativity impacting upon our professional and personal relationships and infecting news cycles and social media interactions, that I thought rather than continue to bemoan this and feel sad, I’d try and recall the big and small acts of kindness that were brought to our attention this year. You know, the ones that sing to your soul and refresh your faith in humanity.

So, in no particular order, here are some of mine. And I’d love to know what made you go “aww” this year (cat and dog videos on YouTube don’t count) and remember we aren’t that bad after all.

In a tour full of lovely moments, little Luke Vincent stroking Prince Harry’s beard was at the top. Picture: Toby Zerna

Foremost is the successful rescue of 12 boys aged 11 to 16 and their 25-year-old soccer coach from the Tham Luang Nang Non cave in Chiang Rai Province in Thailand. The world not only rallied by sending many international experts to risk their lives and help, but then we watched with bated breath and hope in our hearts for a successful outcome — especially when the tragic death of Saman Gunan, a former Thai Navy Seal, made us aware (if we weren’t before) of the level of danger involved.

Then there’s the story of John and Stella Chhan, who own Donut City in Seal Beach California. Having worked there for 30 years after migrating from Cambodia, when Stella fell ill, John was unable to visit her in hospital until he sold all his stock and cleaned the store. Refusing help from a GoFundMe campaign, it wasn’t until locals started queuing at the shop ridiculously early, ensuring all his stock was bought by a reasonable hour, that he was able to spend more time with his wife.

While the Invictus Games showered us with so many heroic and feel-good stories, they were almost eclipsed when five-year-old Luke Vincent from Dubbo not only hugged Prince Harry but stroked his beard. A simple gesture that, in the way it was given and received, spoke volumes.

School kids protesting climate change inaction in Brisbane gave me hope for the future. Picture: Glenn Hunt/AAP

While there were numerous detractors, there were many any of us who felt both pride and renewed faith in the younger generation when they took to the streets to protest our government’s lack of action and policy on climate change.

And what about when a stranger gave up his first-class seat on a plane to young mum, Kelsey Rae Zwick who was travelling with her sick 11-month-old daughter for lifesaving treatment? Jason Kunselman saw Kelsey struggling with her child and an oxygen tank and immediately surrendered his place.

There are so many lovely stories out there of small, random and huge gestures of kindness and generosity. In times of crisis such as during floods, fire, and other catastrophes and tragedies, they come to the fore. They renew our faith in humanity and people.

But it doesn’t take much to simply be kind. It’s there in a warm smile, sincere thank you, patience, and manners displayed. It’s the opening of doors and hearts that really matter and make us civil and better — as people and a community.

The thing about kindness is it’s a pleasure paradox in that we become happier by making other people happier.

I genuinely hope 2019 is a kinder and happier year in every regard for you, and for us as a nation.

@KarenBrooksAU