A Knock at the Door, by Rob Parsons is a quite remarkable story.
My attention to the book was drawn to it via a review in The UK Telegraph.
It is a remarkable story of a couple taking an almost stranger into their house a day or so before Christmas and his never leaving.
It is a story of faith, charity, kindness and selflessness. As I read (listened to) the book, there were occasions where I wanted to cry and laugh, sometimes in the same sentence!
I listened to the book as an audiobook, via Sotify,, while walking through town, at the gym, driving the car or just sitting listening to it. The book is narrated by the author Robert Parsons which significantly adds to its enjoyment.
While the book commences shortly after Rob and Dianne’s wedding, the book covers Rob’s early life, his connection with the church, education, and mentors that led him to his professional career. However, the main focus is on this family’s selfless decision of taking a man they hardly knew into their home a couple days before Christmas and having him live with them for 45 years. Yes, 45 years;through the early stages of their marriage, the birth of their 2 children, and how Ronnie Lockwood fitted in and contributed to their family and their community. It’s a relationship of love and caring. For the Parsons family to have been so generous is a true act of selflessness, kindness and Christian charity.
It is a story of success not just of Rob Parsons but also Ronnie.
Rob Parsons came from a council flat to a successful life, as a very successful professional and subsequently a founder of a charity. Through his telling of anecdotes it is clear that Rob and his wife built a family surrounded by love and Christian charity. While his faith plays a part it’s not preached to the reader or listener it just sits as a backdroppp to this wonderful story. Robs story is of many challenges that are easy to relate to, including the birth of their children, illness as Rob built his professional career. That would pressure on any marriage , but added to this was the introduction of a virtual stranger.
Ronnie Lockwood, the stranger who knocked on the door, was by his own admission not the smartest. He’d been put in care by his mother, moved from care home to care home, and then life on the streets. Just how tough it was for him and the loveless nature of his life are an undertone. It all changed for Ronnie, and indeed the Parsons family, with that knock on the door. The Parson’s decision to answer the door changed Ronnie’s life. It gave him a home and grounded him.
It’s clear that no one expected that Ronnie would stay with the Parsons for the rest of his life but that’s how it worked out.
A absolute reality check was the fact that for Ronnie to even have a chance to get a job he needed a home. A real catch 22 situation. How can someone faced with the challenges Ronnie had afford a place to live, but that’s the prerequisite for a job. Without Rob and Di Parsons willingness to have Ronnie living in their home, initially until he was set up and then forever, Ronnie would most likely have been lost to society. If that had happened a lovely caring man would have been consigned to the streets or hostels, and unlikely to ever get a job.
The book is filled with anecdotes about Ronnie. My favourites are his paragliding exploits while on holiday with the family. It was one of many family holidays that Ronnie, a formerly homeless person and non-relative, had as part of the Parsons family. Another was the mobile phone, a story quite late in the book, and by which time I was pretty sure I knew what would happen.
The book deals with the challenges faced during COVID and losing a family member at time when it was masks, limited visiting, etc. Sadly, this is a story that I could relate too.
Ronnie was part of their family for 45 years, yet there were so many questions unanswered. Ronnie wasn’t just another homeless person, but a person who notwithstanding his challenges, made a significant contribution to his community and society in general. How many other Ronnie’s are there walking on the streets?
It’s a book that reflects the author and his wife’s sense of duty and calling to help in meaningful ways, no doubt influenced by their Christian beliefs and a willingness to live the rule to love thy neeighbour. How else can you explain a willingness to let someone they barely knew come into their house for a lifetime. They truly are paying it forward.
It is a great read, or in my case listen. To often these days we read, watch and listen to stories of division and hate, this is one truly of love. It’s also a reminder that, there by the grace of God go I.
Note: Cover picture of A Knock at the Door sourced from Harper Collins, in Australia.