People are good. People are REALLY good and in the midst of hard times, they come out in droves and prove their goodness. I have a hard time saying that we’re going through “hard times” because all considered, Kate is doing rather well and we are coping. I think we’re managing well, but then, I have pretty high expectations of how our family runs and operates and that? Well, that’s lacking. A lot. If you know me, you know I’m…well…organized. Okay hell, I’m obsessed with organization and while it’s something people poke fun of me about, it’s also something I’m most proud of.
Obviously the last few months have totally reorganized my priorities and suddenly, cleaning the floors was a far second to reading the Richard Scary “the Greatest Little World Book” for the 900th time that hour and remembering that buying groceries, taking the dry cleaning and paying bills were priorities, but not over lingering a few extra minutes over bath time with Kate. So, holiday entertaining and Christmas lists were a distant memory after realizing I should probably eat dinner…at 9pm. I haven’t made time for myself yet, but that’s okay. I don’t require much. But I do need to take care of myself (diabetes, anyone??) and when I’m not well, I need to see a doctor. So when a nasty case of vertigo knocked me down a week ago, I was literally helpless. I couldn’t drive, care for Kate or really even walk on my own and I got really freaking frustrated.
I have a tendency to get overwhelmed by my own need to be in control of EVERY situation and I have learned (the harsh reality) that I am not a patient person. I lost nearly an entire week of “to-dos” and I posted a rant-y Facebook post to get it off my chest. Within minutes, I had 5 or 6 replies, 3 texts and several private messages offering help. Not even just the “let me know how I can help you” messages, but actual “let me do this for you” messages.
Today, I sit here feeling a lot better physically and totally & completely grateful emotionally. There is a kind person coming to my house to clean it thanks to the lovely gesture of an even kinder & selfless friend who sent her cleaning lady to us instead of her own home this week. My freezer is full (!!) of delicious homemade food; quiche, chili, soup, bread and other treats from a friend who has two small kiddos of her own. Another friend, who has helped us multiple times in the last three months (who has a toddler & a newborn!) is also bringing a side dish over for our Thanksgiving dinner…because she just wanted one less thing for me to have to do. I had offers to drive me to work when I wasn’t feeling well, offers to help me do Thanksgiving day prep, to help do my Thanksgiving dinner shopping and offers to help to even shop for our Christmas list for Kate.
I admittedly have a hard time asking for assistance. I always feel like somehow I’m not in control if I need assistance. My friend L told me “I won’t ever offer something hoping for you to say no” and “We all have different times in our lives for giving and receiving.” That made me smile and I relaxed a little and I have to say, it feels pretty great.
Friends, family…thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for everything you have done for our family and how you’ve lifted me in this time where I feel quite out of control. I just appreciate you so very much.
My sister arrives on Tuesday and I’m excited to have a house full of family this year and we wish a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours…blessings to each and every one of you.