Ebbs and Tides of Life

There are ebbs and tides... or in other words... ups and downs... in all our lives.  Times in life when you are needed to help others, and times when you need help yourself.

The thing is... no one really likes to ask for, or take help when they need it.  We all would rather be the needed help, than needing help.  I've been among the needing help several times in my life time... and each time... family and friends came out of the woodwork to lend me a hand, and/or comfort me through tough times.  I am one of those who would never ask for help or act like I need it... yet... my loved knows just knew I needed help and came just because the loved me.  As of this week I myself am being released from 9 months of recovering from 2 foot surgeries (bunions)... and I am soooooo delighted that I am crossing back over from the 'needing help'... to... being able to 'help others'.  I must say.... it's a really good feeling!

Just this week I felt called to make a road trip to check out a very dear loved one... who won't ask for, or take help... EVER!  I know you are reading this blog, and you know who you are!  :  )  I am so sorry that my loved one is suffering from any pain... whether from a hanged nail or illness... but I was glad that I could go give and get hugs, make and deliver, my famous cure all chicken noodle soup... along with some of my special mac and cheese.  My heart feels better that I was able to visit and spend time with my loved one... but my heart also aches because I live so far away and not able to visit on a more regular basis.  I hope I get to return soon for more visits and take more home cooked treats.

But no matter if you are needed, or in need... those who you go to to aide, or those who come to your aid, invited or not... we/they are really just saying "I LOVE YOU"!!!... and "if all I can do for you is to let you know that... then I will do it every single day until you are better".

As someone who has needed aid, and reluctantly, but gratefully accepted, and deeply appreciated it... my heart sings knowing I'm so very blessed to have so many loved ones (family and friends) who care so much about me.  My aid came from calls, cards, texts, emails, FB posts, personal visits and care taking visits, food deliveries, flowers.... love came from many people, from all over... all just to say... we are sorry you feel bad and we hope you feel better real soon!  But if I myself am the care giver/tender, my heart also soars because I feel like I was able to do something to help another person in need, and hopefully make their crummy day have one less moment of pain or discomfort.

My husband Joe calls me "The Fixer".... I honestly just can't help it.  I come from a family of AWESOME women who are also all "FIXERS", who have inspired, and taught me how to tend to and care for others.  My Grandma is the first to come to mind because she ALWAYS had the exact thing you needed, just when you needed it... from aspirins and salves, to duct tape and wrenches.  She had every single 'gadget' ever introduced to the public for sale... and it made her day complete if she was able to fuss over someone and make them feel better or special.

My grandma's daughters... my Mom and Aunt... not only learned these loving and nurturing talents from her, but continued to pass them on through myself and my cousins... who we continue to pass on through our daughters, and we will continue to pass on down through our granddaughters too.  Every single one of us can, and will, be in your face and/or space when we feel you need aid.  We will ask you a thousand questions... we will poke and prod... we will feel your head and take your temperature... we will smother you in hugs and kisses, and ooohs and ahhs... we will try our best to make you eat something... usually chicken soup (which we all know cures EVERYTHING!!... even heart aches and stressful days!!)... but all this is done in love because all we know is that, we HAVE to do something!  And secretly... I kinda think those getting all this care and attention like it, and it does make them feel better... I say this only because of my personal experience of being on the receiving end and having been given such attention.

I'm sure we can be seen as annoying when you really just want to be left alone.  But again... I think that these attentions make everything feel a bit better just because it takes your mind off your aches and pains for a bit.  When your feel bad hurts... it hurts!  No one wants to be messed with when they feel bad... but usually it's a necessary nuscence.

To that very special loved one in my life that this blog is specifically written for... I hear you and I respect all your wishes because I LOVE YOU that much!  I'm here for you anytime you need me, and I'm always just a phone call away when you feel up to a chat.  I will be back as soon as I can to come enjoy more chatting visits and bring you more home made goodies.  I'm glad all my girls were able to come visit with you as well... they love and miss you bunches!  Hope you feel better today, and always know you are in my thoughts and prayers every single day!  Sending BIG HUGS from your Victoria!!!
PS... the purpose of this blog is because I just want you to know I am truly listening to what you want... and because you told me how much my blogs mean to you!  MUAH!!!!!