Taking Care of Each Other
There are days that follow each other in a routine sort of way, where sunny skies and work keep my spirit high. And then, there are those other days, with life’s unexpected interruptions and curveballs and skids, when I can only hang on for the ride, only focused on surviving, until I am back on firm ground.
Yesterday was one of the latter kind. After a phone call, I suddenly left home, still in my work clothes, pausing only long enough to grab my knitting, to take care of someone. The rest of the day, I spent in the Emergency Room and the pharmacy, and making sure everything turned out O.K. While I waited here and there, I knitted and observed those working around me, helping. Though this experience was short lived and turned out well compared to some I’ve had, I noticed again how those who work in healthcare show compassion and kindness in their work and are available when we need them. They do what they can to be helpful and empathetic. And in those situations of crisis, they are a calming and low key presence. Their work behind the scenes comes to the forefront when we are in crisis. Thank you for your work in our town.
When I returned home, I felt a little scattered. I tried to put all the pieces back together that I had left behind. My mind and my body had to shift gears, slow down, unwind. I had to regroup and remember what I was doing before that phone call. I went for a walk at the park to clear my head. But when I got home, my energy had hit rock bottom. Jim suggested we go eat at Antonio’s in Elkhart and all of a sudden, it felt like a weight off my shoulders. Driving in the dark, over the river and through the woods, we arrived and were welcomed graciously. Our meal was excellent, our server knowledgeable, and someone checked in to make sure that all was going well. Here, too, we were helped and treated kindly and taken care of. Thanks to those who work in the food business and take care of us.
Today, I see a seamless blue sky and I feel a warm sun. I sit feverishly working on my latest project, interrupting myself only to go for a brisk walk with the dog and a lunch of leftovers with Jim. It’s a “normal”day after the one I had yesterday. But coming away from it all, I see that many of us work day in and day out, doing what we can to help each other along the way, in whatever job we find ourselves in, and though not often recognized for what we do, we continue to do it because we care about our neighbors and our town and our world. And that is truly what makes this world go round.
