A coworker got a tragic phone call last night, just as we were leaving work. Her 80-year-old mother had a stroke effecting 40% of her brain. Mom was being rushed into surgery in a hospital 2000 miles away.
So I stayed with her until she got further word from her siblings. I didn't have any work to do. I farted around on Farmville 2 and made tentative plans for Christmas 2014 in Key West. I just didn't want her to be alone.
After two hours, after she heard promising news from her brother, we went to our individual homes. She thanked me profusely, saying my sticking around with her was "a huge deal."
No it wasn't. It really wasn't. It was, quite literally, the least I could do. Yet it meant to much to her.
I'm reminded again how easy it is to make other people feel better. I just have to be more thoughtful and aware.
These are the thoughts and observations of me — a woman of a certain age. (Oh, my, God, I'm 65!) I'm single. I'm successful enough (independent, self supporting). I live just outside Chicago, the best city in the world. I'm an aunt and a friend. I feel that voices like mine are rather underrepresented online or in print. So here I am. If my musings resonate with you, please visit my blog again sometime.
you are a good person and good friend to many.
ReplyDeleteso proud of you!
xoxoxo
Presence. This post warmed my heart.
ReplyDeleteI think that you did a nice thing.
ReplyDeleteSee, the thing is about you is you KNOW what would be meaningful to a specific person. And while you beat yourself up about it a bit, you always act from the heart. And that, my Gal, is quite possibly the best gift you could give.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have been thoughtful and aware.
ReplyDelete