They’re the folks who show up when you’re in a hospital bed — friends, family, or sometimes people you barely expect. I’ve had a few over the years myself, after a small operation or a broken limb. Being a bit introverted, it could feel awkward when a friend of my parents appeared at the door, but the gesture always meant something.

One thing about Trepassey: if someone hears you’re sick and they’re anywhere near the hospital, chances are they’ll drop in. I’m reminded of the late Nix Neil, retired and living in St. John’s, who made regular rounds to visit anyone from back home. Mary Ann Corcoran and her brother Derrick are cut from the same cloth — good visitors, steady and kind.

My wife Lola even made a few three‑hour trips to Edmonton to sit with her niece after a heavy operation. That’s the kind of heart some people carry.

This is just a small acknowledgment of the visitors — the ones who show up, who sit for a while, who bring comfort without making a fuss. I’m grateful for their kindness and thoughtfulness.