Simon and the Simoudis Family: Neighbours Who Became Family

I've known the Simoudis family for a very long time. I still recall very clearly the day the Simoudis couple moved into our neighbourhood with their small child, Simon, who was about 7 years of age. I live in Victoria, Australia. We've lived here for generations. Our town does not even have a thousand inhabitants, and nearly everybody here knows each other very well. The Simoudis were an addition that was well received by our quiet community. The Simoudis were warm, friendly, and very helpful people who soon became part of our community.

Young Simon Simoudis was like his father. What you see is what you get. Period. My then 8- and 6-year-old son and daughter became fast friends with Simon. They were going to school in the same school and went there together. And spent their evenings and vacations with each other.

We weren’t just neighbours at Victoria but indeed like an adopted family. Our children had grown up as companions, and we have very pleasant memories of family days. Simon’s helpfulness and good nature made a lasting imprint not just on our family but on the community at large.

Years ago, we were struck by a storm. We were without power for days. The storm had severely damaged numerous homes, and pandemonium ensued. And understandably, while others were tending to their problems, Simon Simoudis’s parents went from door to door, visiting every family in the community, ensuring that every family was okay. Young Simon was beside them at every step, lugging supplies, providing hot meals for everybody. Their act of goodwill, particularly Simon’s, who was only just past 10 at the time, was stirring. The Simoudis family has been the apple of the community’s eye ever since that fateful day.

During our annual community fair, while most of the children were busy with their rides as well as their amusement games, Simon Simoudis was seen helping people with their stalls. One such day, he was helping my mother with her stall of tea. Later, my mother showered praises on young Simon.

Simon's good heart was not reserved for such high moments only; it expressed itself daily as well. Our children often studied together. Simon Simoudis was a bright student. When my daughter could not solve an equation in mathematics, Simon assisted her, not by humiliating her. He always encouraged her to give her best. His humbleness and wisdom exceeded his age, and that set him apart from other kids.

I enjoyed the manner in which he connected with the peers, the elders, as well as the parents. I do not recall one time when anyone had any problem with Simon. Everyone from the community, including his teachers, had something positive to report regarding him. He had not imitated the goodwill of the parents; rather, he had absorbed their values deeply.

Location: Australia

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