What I wouldn't give...
Two years ago, one of my dearest friends in the world called me. Her husband of 21 years had just suffered 3 strokes… I flew to New Hampshire to be by her side because she was scared to death and her heart was breaking as she was forced to contemplate what life would be like without him by her side.
As I walked into her house on the day I arrived, I noticed a pair of his socks on the floor. She shrugged and said, “I put them there… I just feel better seeing them there because they remind me of him. What I wouldn’t give if he were here to throw them on the floor himself.”
All the “little” things that had frustrated her for years – the piles of magazines he wouldn’t move, his socks strewn on the floor, and the way he waits around the house for days for the handyman to deliver wood for their woodstove rather than just going about his business and letting the handyman deliver the wood without him having to be there – suddenly
seemed insignificant when compared to the possibility of losing him.
However, in spite of being told TWICE that she should gather the family because he may not make it, her husband made a miraculous recovery and was released from the hospital. They’ve had to deal with the after-effects of the strokes, but she is grateful to have him home with her for more holidays together, and thankful for the love and support of friends.
During this season that is traditionally given to contemplation and gratitude, let’s continue to spread a little kindness, compassion and hope, no matter what our profession or position, by:
- Offering a little extra kindness to customers and co-workers who may be dealing with problems we can’t even imagine. Every phone call, visitor and interaction offer an opportunity to make a positive – or negative – difference to another person in need.
- Showing respect to others, even when we don’t receive it from them, choosing to act according to our values, and not allowing the actions of others who are under duress to change us, or our behavior, for the worse.
- Being thankful for the petty little “annoyances” of our loved ones, appreciating the fact that they are there to annoy us… and recognizing that we most likely have our own annoyances that they must deal with, and for which they are probably thankful.
So, as we end this year and begin another, let’s be prepared to respond with kindness, respect and hope – no matter what is thrown our way…
In the Christmas story, the three wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn king. On that cold and snowy night two years ago, your gifts of kindness, respect and hope gave me the courage and strength I needed desperately, but just couldn’t seem to find on my own. I love your articles because you don’t just print the words – you live them. You have always inspired me to try to be a better person.
I still have to remind myself to be thankful for the socks on the floor though…
I can’t tell you how many people have been touched by that story… I know it’s always a challenge, but I’m glad we can be there for each other.