There comes a time in most of our lives when we have to sit up and take notice, when the “rubber meets the road,” so to speak.
Life had been moving along at its normal pace. Events were taking place, work was happening and the laundry was getting done. Then there came a day when I began to feel a little “off.” I ignored it and pressed on. The “off” became more frequent, and I continued to ignore it. I just had too much to do to notice for any length of time that I was headed for something that I certainly hadn’t planned.
One day, after getting to the office, I just felt raw, and I didn’t really want to visit any patients. (This feeling was very foreign to me at work because I absolutely LOVED my job!) I pulled in and didn’t feel like joking or even talking to my colleagues.
When I got home, a very disappointing event took place, and I felt like I had just fallen off a cliff. That event was “the straw.”
For the next three days, I slept most of the time. I had things I wanted to do, but I didn’t have a whit of energy. The only thing that made me smile was the feel of my dogs snuggling up close to me in bed.
I knew I was in serious trouble and made an appointment with my physician. He evaluated me, treated me and sent me home. I was somewhat hopeful that these feelings would pass.
In the meantime, I sought comfort. My therapist told me that when I had the energy, I was to do what I loved. In that moment, I couldn’t think of anything, but as I grew stronger, I began to look around me. One of the things I love is knitting. I certainly wasn’t quite up to knitting but I sought out a blanket that a dear friend had given me and wrapped myself up in it. The tactile feeling of warmth and "snugliness" was what I needed. I felt loved and cared for. And I felt enlightened…
None of us are immune from needing love and comfort, especially when we are vulnerable. Usually, I am the one on the giving end. That day, I was on the receiving end. And one day, you too, may be on the receiving end.
Please consider giving to our cause---printing a book of stories about recipients that can be given to those who make these precious blankets. By the way, we have raised enough money for the first printing but will need to raise more for the second. And our hope is that we can accomplish that in time for books to be given away as Christmas gifts.
Please go to www.listening4life.org if you decide to donate. Any amount is appreciated.
Thank you!
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