Day 348; Footnotes Asking, Reminding, Pay Attention

Time is slipping away.

Its been such an odd day. I was admittedly frustrated over the fact that I could get nothing done but talk on the phone. It was an all day, hourly thing. Mom called twice, dad called, mom called, dad called, then mom called to talk about dad calling. A little later dad called again to ask if I had a minute to come help him move something. The same something he had called about earlier wanting my son to help move but when he found out that my son wouldn’t be home until late he’d said never mind. I told him I’d be there in a minute.

I remembered to get both dogs inside, grabbed my gloves and headed next door. The over sized container he wanted moved wasn’t heavy, awkward but not heavy. I moved it to the place he wanted it, then went in to talk with mom. She gave me the stuff that she had for the cakes that I’m going to be the one making this year. I’ll have to get her blender later because I don’t have one. (Santa??)

I told my son about the calls when he came in from work. He laughed and told me I might need to go ahead and put an office in down at their house. Just as he walked away to go sit down, the phone rang again. Mom this time. We talked for a few minutes then she said goodnight.

Now, as I sit here with both of my dogs stretched out near me, the neighbor’s dogs barking for some unknown reason. It is quiet in the house and I can take the time to think and understand, and be very thankful for the calls.

Some of us watched a frightening, sad thing playing live before us on social media. Someone we knew, was in a very bad way. Thankfully prayers were answered and it did not end badly. The walls of Heaven had to be vibrating from the prayers.

I went to bed last night with what I had seen in my mind and on my heart, just as so many others who witnessed what was happening. I woke wondering, off and on during the day I would search. Later to find out they were okay but still needing help. It was a deep relief. Later when another friend brought it up online, it allowed many of us to speak what was on our hearts. Concerned, respectfully, compassionately.

The fact that I dealt with all of the phone calls, the calls that came almost hourly all day long, kept me from dwelling on what had happened. It kept me from sinking too deeply into the feelings of despair, of sadness, of all the sad emotions, all the shock that comes. But this isn’t about me. No, this is still about taking the time, making the effort, to pay attention. So many among us are suffering. So many are fighting battles that we no nothing about. Pay attention. All of the phone calls that I answered, helped me to remain focused and able to see. Able to pay attention and realize that this person is only one among the many. Thankfully for them, help arrived. For so very many, help comes too late if at all.
May we all pay attention. To our family, to our friends, to the person on the street. May we see their pain, understand their suffering, reach out in compassion to offer hope. Life, is special. Life is important. Life is precious. Life is a gift, for us, and for all who know us. May we all pay attention, and be there for those who have need of what we have to give.