In conversation with Bram

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Today I am visiting Bram, a cheerful, friendly former art dealer from Amsterdam.

Who are you, and could you tell us a bit about yourself?

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‘I’m Bram, born in December 1939 in Amsterdam. I contracted polio during the war. My mother passed away when I was 11, and my father was rarely around. That led me to leave home at fifteen. The polio didn't stop me from living a beautiful life. I’m curious, have traveled a lot, and lived in many wonderful places in Europe. I studied Language and Culture because I wanted to understand what the people and artists I spoke with were talking about. Once back in Amsterdam, I started Galerie Asselijn in the Spiegelkwartier.’

How did you find Beep for Help?

‘I found Beep for Help through Roos from the neighborhood team, she’s a real gem. I was looking for a housekeeper I could rely on. I can’t go a week without help just because it doesn’t suit the cleaner. It’s very important to me because I truly can’t manage it myself. Through the municipality, it would have taken a year and a half, but with Beep for Help, it was arranged immediately. It’s also important to me that there is customer service in case anything goes wrong.'

What was your experience with Beep for Help like?

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‍ ‘I've been using it for four months now and have had three different helpers over so far. All three are definitely five stars! They’re such lovely people, and the work is done properly too. I’d adopt Martin in a heartbeat, haha, he’s such a friendly guy! And it’s just wonderful company with "the girls", as I call them. Calling them "the girls" is probably the West Frisian in me coming out (Bram also used to live there, ed.). I do my best to make everyone feel at home here, and that goes both ways. I really appreciate that someone always shows up—it's something I can rely on. And the fact that they're trustworthy.’

Do you have everything you need to live comfortably at home?

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‍ ‘Most definitely. I have all the help I need. I read a lot and have an interest in all kinds of subjects. I also have plenty of friends who drop by for dinner or to go to a concert together. Friends are so essential to enjoying life.’

If you could wish for any kind of help at home, would you have any requests?

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‘Well, I could do with an extra hour of help each week for those less frequent chores, like cleaning the tops of the cupboards or beating out clothes. That'll be happening soon.’

Do you have a piece of life wisdom you would like to share with your fellow Amsterdammers or the world?

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‍ ‘Cherish your friends—they're your greatest asset. You can't let those bonds fade; you really have to nurture them. You get so much back in return. I consider myself truly lucky to have my friends.’

What a cheerful, friendly, and well-read man Bram is. It was lovely spending time together. It's wonderful to see that Bram and the Superhelpers are such a great match. I hop on my bike feeling uplifted, with his wise words lingering in my mind. Inspired by Bram's story and keen to give Beep for Help a try? You can easily book reliable, non-medical home support via the app or website. Book your appointment here.