In times of trouble, it’s always interesting who is there for you…and who isn’t. This time around, this sickness, I’ve felt really alone, and it kind of scares me about the gaps in my life. Last time I was really sick like this, I lived in California, and my friends were so amazing. But…my life was also more tightly woven with theirs. I had roommates…and many of those who came around to help, take me to the doctor’s, keep me company, bring me Gatorade, etc. were former roommates. Here, I don’t have family, and maybe my friends aren’t as close as I thought. It’s kind of disappointing. The other hard thing is that when you’re sick, it’s really not the easiest time to go make new friends or even deepen relationships with existing friends. My friends are, for the most part, passively supportive…but I really need friends who are proactively supportive.
One surprising person has been my neighbor…who continually offers to go to the store for me, has called to check on me, invites me over, etc….and I don’t really know why. She’s probably in her late 60’s, has children and grandchildren nearby. She doesn’t need me in any way. She’s just being kind. I think about the parable of the Good Samaritan and how Jesus asked, “Which one of those BECAME a neighbor to him?”
Another supportive person is my aunt. She’s terrible about calling, but when I do talk to her, she just “gets it” so fully. Almost always. It is such a refuge to have someone who understands.
Anyhow, added to my “to do” list for when I feel better….
1. Re-think my relationships.
2. Be there for someone else.
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