I
adore how life presents a plethora of opportunities for me to step outside
myself, appreciating those with whom I’m close.
How doing so can bring me the greatest satisfaction.
Last
night, I had the occasion to finally see a friend who’s spent the past three
months in the hospital, tubes coming in and out of her chest. There were times
we didn’t know if she’d make it and, though it was hard, we respected the
decision that she needed to concentrate on getting better, not put her energy
into having a host of us, her supportive friends, parading in and out of the
hospital. So, when I got to finally give
her a hug last night, mindful not to disturb the four tubes still exiting her
chest, my heart rejoiced that she’s still with us.
Today,
I was able to relish the utter relief and joy when another friend shared that
their marriage is still in tact. That
the stress and anxiety, which had raised to unbearable levels this past week
have all but dissipated. To hear the
joy, missing over the past number of weeks, ring through my friend’s voice
warmed me to my core. To share in their
relief made my facial muscles hurt from smiling so broadly.
Then
there was the opportunity I had to delight in another friend who’s coming to
terms with a lifelong battle over self-identity. To be able to share the joy that friend now
feels as they’re coming to peace with who they are, knowing that we, their
friends, will rally round, support, love, and accept them no matter what their
decision.
And
let’s not forget still another friend, who almost lost their life to cancer a few years back. But they battled the
odds, endured treatments and came out on top.
Some chose that time to turn their backs on this individual, not
understanding why that person no longer hosted the amazing events they had in
the past. Instead of digging beneath the
surface to understand a plausible reason why, there were those who simply
walked away. That hurt my friend to the
point that once recovered, and wanting to celebrate life by resuming hosting
more events, they were reluctant. But I,
along with others, encouraged our friend to do their heart’s calling and resume
hosting. They did, much to our delight.
This
friend and I banter back and forth with one another often, and it fulfills me
to hear the pure joy in their voice and messages. Where this friend was once hesitant to reach
out again, they’re now reaping the benefits of their kindness and thirst for
living. I couldn’t be more overjoyed.
