August Happiness Challenge -- Day 6

Today's happiness: Air conditioning. On these humid days, it's so nice to be able to close the windows and still feel comfortable. I have never done heat well, and without A/C I would be suffering. I take it for granted and I shouldn't. It's really a modern miracle.


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Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

Well, now it's happened.

I got a sad email from my oldest friend. She is now completely, flat broke. Her phone has been turned off and her car repossessed. I assume her credit card accounts have been closed, but I don't know for sure.

I feel terrible for her. Of course. Naturally. But I don't think it's the worst thing. I think it's been much harder for to wait for this to happen, to live under a constantly threatening storm cloud.

She's been maddeningly incommunicado as of late. Not answering emails. Not responding to texts. Her voicemail was always full, so I couldn't leave a message.

Then, in mid-June, I got a call from the finance company that held her car loan. She had used me as a reference, and they couldn't reach her, either. That's when I understood the situation. She was probably afraid of her phone and email, knowing bill collectors were demanding funds she simply didn't have.

Now that it's happened, now that it's over, I imagine life is easier for her. Like Tom Petty sang, "The waiting is the hardest part."

Now that she has bottomed out, she's able to take advantage of the social safety nets California has to offer. She reports that she can now afford all her meds and she's been to the dentist for the first time in years, because it's just $1/visit. Soon, I predict, she'll be feeling better.

I'm relieved to report she's luckier than most in her position. She has air conditioning, internet and cable through her cousin, whose home she's living in, rent free.

She promises to let me know when she gets her state-issued phone. Unlimited talk and text.

I hope it's soon. I miss her!