A Heartwarming Encounter: Unveiling the Gentle Side of Radio Legend John Laws
As Australia bids farewell to the iconic broadcaster John Laws, a heartfelt story emerges from a Ballina mother, Tracey Everingham-Armstrong, who shares an extraordinary memory that will forever be etched in her heart.
A Mother's Courage and a Legend's Empathy
Tracey, a local fundraising champion, recalls a pivotal moment in her life when she, as a young mother, embarked on a journey to lift the spirits of her son, Luke, who had suffered severe burns at a young age. Little did she know, this act of courage would lead to an encounter with the man she had grown up listening to - John Laws.
In a tearful admission, Tracey shares that she is too emotional to watch the funeral live, as it brings back a flood of memories. "I grew up listening to him. He was a constant presence in our home. Meeting him was like a dream come true, an unforgettable highlight of my life," she says.
A Desperate Plea and a Kind Response
The story takes an emotional turn as Tracey describes the painful moment when her son, Luke, underwent a series of distressing medical appointments in Sydney. Sitting in the hospital waiting room, a familiar voice filled the air - John Laws on the radio. In a bold move, Tracey approached the front counter and made an audacious request: to speak with John Laws.
"I was determined. I asked them to call John Laws, and they thought I was crazy. But I begged them," she recalls. To her surprise, the radio station granted her wish, and within moments, she was given instructions to take a taxi to the studio, with the fare covered by Laws' secretary.
The journey to the studio was not without its challenges. A reluctant taxi driver initially refused to take them due to Tracey's lack of cash, but her persistence paid off. Upon arrival, a staff member greeted them, rewarding the driver handsomely for their timely arrival.
The Gentle Giant Unveiled
Inside the studio, the tough on-air persona of John Laws melted away, revealing a big-hearted and gentle soul. "He was a gentle giant," Tracey says. "His empathy and love for people were evident. He was not the hard-ass we sometimes heard on the radio."
After the show, Laws invited them into his private office, a room filled with artifacts from around the world. There, he presented Luke with a John Laws wristwatch, a cherished keepsake that Luke still remembers gazing at during their journey home.
"John and I were both teary. It brought joy to my son and me. It was a moment of pure kindness and connection," Tracey adds.
A Gift of Gratitude
Tracey, wanting to express her gratitude, searched for a meaningful gift. She eventually sent Laws her grandmother's antique 'His Master's Voice' gramophone needles, carefully wrapped in a hand-crocheted white linen hanky. "I wondered, what could I possibly give John Laws? But this felt like the right choice," she explains.
Laws was deeply touched by the personal heirloom, but Tracey insisted he accept it. "I told him, my son accepted a watch from him, so he must accept this too." Laws later revealed that he gifted the hanky to his wife, 'the Princess'.
A Lasting Impact
Tracey never reached out to Laws again, feeling it was not her place. However, the news of his passing last week hit her hard. "I broke down in tears. I wasn't prepared for it," she confesses.
She remembers the TV commercials, the golden microphone, and the iconic voice, but most of all, she cherishes the kindness shown to a frightened young boy and a desperate mother in a Sydney hospital.
"He left an indelible mark on us. I will never forget the impact he had on our lives," Tracey concludes.
And this is the part most people miss... the human side of legends like John Laws. It's a reminder that behind the public persona, there's often a heart of gold. What do you think? Share your thoughts and memories of John Laws in the comments below.
