Sir Bobby Robson: An Ode to the Power of Gratitude and Companionship

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Amidst the glitz and glamour of the 2007 BBC Sport Personality of the Year awards in London, a hushed anticipation settled over the audience as Sir Bobby Robson ascended the stage to receive the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. Yet, it was not a grand soliloquy or boastful speech that graced the occasion. Instead, Sir Bobby’s words were a masterclass in humility and gratitude, echoing through the hall: “Nobody wins anything on their own,” he declared, “This award really is an extension and opportunity for me to say thank you very much to everybody that has supported me.”


In that crystalline moment, Sir Bobby gifted the world a profound lesson - that our journey through life is not a solitary pilgrimage but a collective tapestry woven from the countless acts of kindness, support, and sacrifice by those who have traversed our path. He reminded us that our present existence stands upon the foundation laid by countless hands, both past and present.


Sir Bobby’s words invite contemplation on the myriad souls who have graced our lives. Some, undoubtedly, have tested us, offering challenges and criticism that have steered us down divergent paths. Yet, even those who have chosen a separate route have played an indelible role in shaping the mosaic of our destinies, contributing to our growth and the individuals we have become.


In our life’s narrative, we encounter those who are not mere spectators but active players, offering tough love and unwavering support. These are the true companions, those who critique not out of malice but out of a deep-seated concern for our well-being. Through heated debates, fervent disagreements, and contrasting perspectives, these friendships stand as enduring pillars of strength.


Sir Bobby’s profound recognition of the pivotal roles played by others in his remarkable career serves as a poignant reminder - no one is an isolated island. We all lean upon the intricate web of relationships that weave our lives together. Today, as we pause for reflection, let us extend our heartfelt gratitude to the multitude of individuals we have encountered, both within the tangible contours of the “real world” and the boundless expanses of the “online world.”


To those who have illuminated our path with kindness and enlivened our journey with challenges, we offer a resounding “Thank you.” You have crafted our yesterdays, embellished our todays, and hold an indispensable role in sculpting our tomorrows. As we embrace the uncharted terrain of the future, we relinquish it into the tender hands of the Creator, our Almighty God, bearing hearts brimming with appreciation for the intricate tapestry of humanity that sustains us all.


By Fr Nilora SVD

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