As so many of us have come to know as we grow older, there is no greater gift than that of health. As Mahatma Gandhi wrote: “It is health that is the real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.” Thankfully, Frikkie Grobler, truly embraced the gifts of health early in life, having been an active sportsman and playing provincial rugby for the Lions Team. His passion for health and fitness extended to his role as a sports teacher, who not only trained, but inspired many young enthusiastic players to keep going, to never give up, or lose hope. A valuable lesson both on and off the field – not to give up and keep the faith. Frikkie has courageously embodied these inspiring words in the past year as he’s been playing his fiercest game, being diagnosed with stage four cancer in March 2021.

At first Frikkie bravely embraced all the treatment options. But it left him unable to do the things he loved to do, most of all, he couldn’t teach or coach. Therefore, he was unable to live life to the fullest. Finally, Frikkie made the most heroic choice a man can make. He chose life over death, desiring to embrace the final times of his life, with all the vigour and zest inside of him. He’s always showing courage in his unique, typical way of KINDness, laughing jokingly, steering the focus away from himself – smiling through the pain! Instead of friends encouraging him, most left his company, inspired and motivated by this KIND and courageous man!

One incredible act of life is to fully embrace love and this is what Frikkie has done, marrying his soulmate and a dear KIND friend of mine, Reinette van der Zwan. Being courageous herself in sharing and enriching Frikkie’s journey, this remarkable decision brought them into the absolute and passionate presence of real life. Life with all that is here, that is natural, that is true love, hurt and brokenness.

Frikkie, your love for life, your courage, resilience and your KINDness, are remarkable testimonies to the incredible power of the human spirit. Showing us how to embrace and endure! You have taught me that it is not only important to be KIND to others, but to extend that KINDness to oneself. Such KINDness is courage, a true act of self-love when making the informed choice to live and die with dignity…

Frikkie Grobler, you are a trueKINDer! I salute you and honour your incredible life!