A friend I haven’t spoken to for over seven years called me
the other day and said he wanted to thank me. Thank me? I scratched my head and
listened with a grateful heart.
“Eve,” he said. “I enjoyed working with you more than anyone
else. Thank you.” And even though I wasn’t his manager or supervisor, he called
to voice honest appreciation by telling me the work we did together had been
fun and interesting. As we spoke, he told me about how he had suffered five
strokes and part of his body had become paralyzed. His speech slightly slurred,
my heart wanted to reach through the phone to embrace him. Such a talented
individual—never a bad word about anyone—a fount of positive energy—he had
taken on my enormous workload with a smile. If anyone should be thanking
anyone, I should be thanking him.
In case you're too young to remember- -phones used to look like this. |
Do you have people in your life—perhaps among your FB
friends who would love to hear your voice? Maybe you have thought about calling
them but the busyness of life got in the way? Maybe now that you’re older, you
have the courage to call or private message them, simply to thank them for being
your friend. In most instances, you will probably make their day. Are you afraid to hear about the knee surgeries, the hernias and
the hip replacements? You can respond to the surprises with kindness and prayers
and they, I’m sure, will be thankful. The passage of time changes everyone but friendship
can be eternal. It’s a flame that begins like a bonfire leaping high with
excitement, burning like warm embers and unless occasionally stoked or prodded, can fade like smoke into the night.
That's certainly a reminder that we need to reach out more often.
ReplyDeleteVery well said!
ReplyDeleteI had a couple of friends and four cousins I wish I'd been able to see or at least talk to before they passed on.
ReplyDeleteA really good idea! I haven't talked with my high school friend in ages, although we still keep in touch by email. She doesn't do Facebook anymore. I have four cousins I should talk with as one is 94 years old.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very cool call for you to get.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking about calling people but I rarely do any more. I used to make it a point to call at least one old friend every Sunday, but I stopped doing that a few years ago. I should get back in the habit.
My former boss died a couple months ago. I kept thinking I should call him as he was suffering from Alzheimer's, but he was still kind of sharp with the recall of people like me. Sad that I missed that opportunity. We just never know sometimes.
Lee
Tossing It Out
That was a wonderful, sweet and yet sad call.
ReplyDeleteHappy he thought of you.
I am trying to write small note to people to thank them.
Still can not get your blog on my reader ?
cheers, parsnip