In life you meet some people and they instantly touch your heart. Simon was one of these people – he is honestly one of the most genuine people I have ever come across. Simon was an older man probably in around his late 60’s possibly early 70’s. He had a heart of pure gold.
Growing up Simon and his sister were in a children’s home, I don’t know the details surrounding this but he had had it tough his whole life. He didn’t have a bad childhood experience, in fact he said the people that ran the home they were in were really kind. Nevertheless nothing is the same as being brought up by your mum and dad. Simon’s sister was the only family he had in the world, they were close but they didn’t see each other often. But Simon was a die hard Millwall fan and was never short of visitors, he was clearly well-liked and had a lot of friends.
Simon was very open about why he was in hospital. He heard voices and these voices often told him to do things that would essentially end his life. He was so sweet and caring, he would have done anything for anyone. Throughout his time on the ward there were a few instances where his good nature was taken advantage of and if you know me I will always back the underdog. Simon never wanted any trouble but he could handle himself and if you messed with him once you would think twice before messing with him again.
In many ways Simon reminded me of my grandad and I had a lot of time for him. I became his technical support! He was always wanting to do something on his phone or his laptop and I was more than happy to help him. He often checked in with me to make sure I was ok and he always asked me about Archie who he did eventually get to meet along with my mum. He used to worry about me not eating and would always try to buy me dinner in an effort to persuade me to eat. We used to talk everyday sometimes watch a bit of TV. If I was ever walking to the shops he would ask to come with me, he enjoyed the company and so did I.
One day me being me was trying to explain to people that all Coke tasted different and people were looking at me like I needed help (which I did, so that was nothing new). But I stand by this Coke in a can is better than coke in a plastic bottle. However, coke in a glass bottle is next level it tastes so much better. But the best coke is coke from McDonald’s – I can’t explain it but if you know then you know. Anyway Simon must have been listen to me talk absolute rubbish about coke and the next morning he knocked on my door with a large coke from McDonald’s. This pretty much sums him up he was so kind hearted and thoughtful.
Simon wasn’t someone who looked unwell but I know all too well what that feels like. Like me he was put into hospital after attempting to take his own life but he knew that he needed a break from reality and a change in his medication and when he was discharged from hospital I knew that he would be ok. I kept in touch with Simon, he would often call me for a chat and he would update me on what was happening in his life. He would tell me of his struggles with getting his medication and other treatment but on a whole he was doing really well.
Simon is one of those people that honestly deserves the world. He is someone else that is never far from my thoughts.
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