Ever have those days were you are just moving so fast that it is almost out of control? I had one: I left the house at 7:15 a.m. I never got to the office. Multiple meetings before noon. Almost forgot to pick up my daughter for an appt. Ran out of juice on my headset by 1:45 and my phone by 2:30. Ate lunch from a baggie (in my car). But that is not what yesterday was about. Before I start, let me apologize for the length of today’s post.
Yesterday a.m., I stopped for coffee and a guy was at a table fiddling with his cup. A bit spilled out and I made a quick joke. He looked up at me and he was crying. This man was in his late 70’s. I asked if he was ok and he said no, he had just put his wife in a care facility. I was going to be late for my meeting but I had to sit down. This guy, a total stranger, was telling me all about his wife, their marriage and her illness. I could feel how much he loved her – it was so beautiful. We finished our conversation, he got up, hugged me, told me that I had perfect timing and not such bad jokes. I got in my car and sobbed – life is fragile and love is all that’s left when it’s over. It was to be the first of three crying episodes.
That afternoon I found out that a friend’s husband is not doing well – he has complications from cancer. I won’t go into detail but it hit me that one day life is fine and the next … with one diagnosis … and the entire picture changes. This family has children the same age as mine – in their same school. The reality hit me so hard that I cried … that was #2.
On my way to pick up the kids after soccer, I stopped to get gas and noticed a woman standing by her car crying (no sobbing). I went in, paid for my gas and asked the cashier what was going on. He told me that he wouldn’t turn on the pump because she had no money and she had no gas in her car. I walked out, told her that I knew her life would get better and I gave her money for gas. I got in my car and drove away, crying for the third time … knowing how painful her life felt at that moment. I’ve been there.
Frankly, it was a day where I could have had my eyes closed to all that was going on around me – I know that happens more often than not! Yet, someone plucked me out of my “world” three times to show me something important. If I can see it, my kids can see it and then they can learn to keep their eyes open, remain present and make a difference.
I ended my day on a high note – with all the fantastic parents at my kids’ school. To any parent reading this, let me say thank you. I got back all the energy I gave out yesterday by the hugs and seeing/talking to you. It reminded me how thankful I am to know you and to know that my kids are with your kids (and those fantastic teachers) every day. Life doesn’t get better than that!
So, have a great day, keep your eyes open and Kleenex in your pocket.
theyearof50 