08:05. The phone rings. An unfamiliar mobile number is calling me.
I pick up and immediately hear a recorded message from “Rabobank.”
Now, I don’t even have a love-hate relationship with Rabobank. No — just hate. They treated me horribly during difficult times that I did not cause, but that aside.
Rabobank calling me from a mobile number, after everything that’s happened? No. Mister Scammer, I’m not falling for that.
I hang up and block the number.
After that, I get called three more times, each time from a different mobile number — supposedly Rabobank.
When the phone rings for the fifth time, again with a mobile number, I sigh deeply. Still, I pick up once more. “Hello, are you from Druk DTP?” I hear on the other end of the line.
I explain that I’m from DTP-Hulp and ask how I can help.
“I wanted to check if the design of the funeral card has arrived at the printer, but I just can’t reach anyone,” the older gentleman says.
Oh dear, that poor man, I think. Immediately, my own memories resurface — from when I had to collect my father’s funeral cards.
The print shop was recommended by the funeral company. When asked for the cards, they were handed to me half-heartedly, while their conversation continued. Something about what had been on TV. No “my condolences.” No compassion. No empathy. I took the cards and walked out with tears in my eyes.
Back to the call.
“Hold on,” I say, “let me take a look.”
I quickly Google funeral cards, printing, DTP, Berkelse Poort, but nothing comes up.
“Thank you for your effort, ma’am. I suppose they’ll have to sort it out through the funeral company,” he says.
I wish him strength with the loss of his loved one and hope the cards will be found. From his voice, I can hear that he appreciates it — and is perhaps even a little surprised by the genuine compassion.
Such a small gesture. A bit of compassion. A bit of empathy.
Being kind can be so simple. It costs nothing — yet it means so much more.
I’m Mireille, and I translate ideas into graphic design that works—both creatively and technically. With over 25 years of experience, I help entrepreneurs build a visual identity that lasts.