My experience of running into an acquaintance at a party, who exclaimed how great I looked, not only made me feel better, but helped someone else who is experiencing difficulty right now. After our short but impactful conversation, a gentle woman touched my arm and asked if I had been sick. I explained in basic terms that yes, I had been in rather rough shape when he had last seen me as it was after a third neurosurgery in less than a year.
She asked if I would tell her all about it. I hesitated for a moment wondering if the party was the right place for it, but I could see she needed to know. She then told me her husband had been in the hospital since the middle of November, almost a hundred days. She said seeing me look so healthy and active gave her hope. I stopped drying dishes and suggested we go somewhere more private. She and I talked for some time and I could feel her pain; I could also understand her need to hear about mine. I too, had taken courage from others recovery when I was starting to lose the energy, and resilience to carry on. So I told her about my story and about my wonderful husband who was there every step of the way. I complimented her on her dedication and love for her husband and all they have been though. Nobody knows, or can imagine unless they too have been there.
She's a remarkable woman and I have no doubt that she, and her husband will come out of this okay. It takes such faith to get through those dark days that seem to drag on with one more complication after another. I could truly empathize with the unfortunate journey they are now a part of, one no one wants or asks for. It creeps into your life like an unwelcome guest and to your horror settles in for that long haul.
I was happy to have been at that party last night for her to see the interaction and feel hope from it. I know it has happened to all of us from time to time, just when you think you haven't another ounce left to give, someone or something fills you up again. And it was good for me to be reminded once again how far I have come and how fortunate I am for the people who love me.
She asked if I would tell her all about it. I hesitated for a moment wondering if the party was the right place for it, but I could see she needed to know. She then told me her husband had been in the hospital since the middle of November, almost a hundred days. She said seeing me look so healthy and active gave her hope. I stopped drying dishes and suggested we go somewhere more private. She and I talked for some time and I could feel her pain; I could also understand her need to hear about mine. I too, had taken courage from others recovery when I was starting to lose the energy, and resilience to carry on. So I told her about my story and about my wonderful husband who was there every step of the way. I complimented her on her dedication and love for her husband and all they have been though. Nobody knows, or can imagine unless they too have been there.
She's a remarkable woman and I have no doubt that she, and her husband will come out of this okay. It takes such faith to get through those dark days that seem to drag on with one more complication after another. I could truly empathize with the unfortunate journey they are now a part of, one no one wants or asks for. It creeps into your life like an unwelcome guest and to your horror settles in for that long haul.
I was happy to have been at that party last night for her to see the interaction and feel hope from it. I know it has happened to all of us from time to time, just when you think you haven't another ounce left to give, someone or something fills you up again. And it was good for me to be reminded once again how far I have come and how fortunate I am for the people who love me.
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