Surrounded by mountains, our town looked so pretty the other day. I took out my phone for some pictures.
Then the phone, inexplicably, slipped out of my hand and disappeared.
pNothing to do, but to drive home, find the phone and just keep the few pictures I had taken.
Easier said than done, as it turned out. A quick search of the front and rear areas, under the seats, as far as I could see proved fruitless. I needed another phone to call my phone, so I would at least know its approximate location.
I knew Joyce was away, so I looked for Bob. He wasn't home either and no one else was around.
Imagining being here alone, for even a few hours without a phone, stressed me out.
So I did something I find very difficult. I emailed Jeanne and asked if she could come and help.
Before long, there she was, an angel at my gate.
After calling my phone and searching for some time, she found it.
I've never in my life been so thrilled to see my phone again.
I thanked Jeanne and said, "You know, I really hate to ask a friend for help. I don't mind if it's a helper I can pay, but a friend, no. I have such a difficult time with it because I can no longer reciprocate, the way I could when I was younger."
Jeanne said, "this is how I see the circle of life. When you were younger, you helped when it was needed. And now that you need help, I'm here to help you."
Of course these were the words, the exact words I needed to hear at this exact time of my life.
They make so much sense.
I can let go of that feeling of absolute helplessness, that fear of having to ask for help, and perhaps not being able to help in return.
Physically help in return.
I know I can help friends in other ways. Talking about things, sharing what I've learned throughout a long life.
Letting go of that last discomfort, has been pretty huge for me.
Thank you, Jeanne.
A friend reminded me that when I accept help, however uncomfortable it is for me, is really a community service! People like to help and feel capable. So that's something I remember now.
ReplyDeletethis is helping me and will help others. and I need to remember what Boud said, that others need to feel needed and like to help. there is much for us to learn even at our age. your car is so pretty, I just love it. so glad you found your phone. you could buy one of the cheap burner phones at WM and load minutes on it, use it or a backup phone. cost is nothing but the phone and minutes. I used one in my car for 10 years. the minutes stay until you use them up and add more. they used to be 10 now I think they are 20 to 30. worth having a back up phone
ReplyDelete..."this is how I see the circle of life. When you were younger, you helped when it was needed. And now that you need help, I'm here to help you."
ReplyDeleteSo true.
Oh how frustrating and how great you had Jeanne to help you. I use to feel as you till I remembered how good it made me feel as a young person to help another. The payment was just enjoying that lovely feeling good about myself. Now I don't hesitate to ask for help for I know in a way, I am making someone's day as they make mine.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that your friend found your phone. It's like a security blanket. I know the feeling of going to the city then realizing that I left my phone at home.
ReplyDeleteIt's so true about the circle of life. It takes humility to accept the help of others when we can't repay it back but remember the old saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive", so in essence, you made your friend feel blessed.
I wish you a lovely day. Your red car is a beauty.
Hugs, Julia
Some people don't seem to have any problem asking for help but I don't like to either. We HAVE to sometimes though. No man is an island is very true. I'm glad you had someone good to call. I'd give her a hug if I could....you too! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteI,too, believe that in turn after receiving help, you can return it, maybe never to the ones who helped you but to pass it on. When my Dad was not well, miles away, many helped, but I cannot return that to them, but can pass it on to others nearer to me.A phone call, an email, a letter, and what a help your friend was to find your phone. These days a mobile phone is a necessity, so glad you did ask.XXX
ReplyDeleteI think that for most people, it is a good feeling to be able to help and be useful. So in a way, you were giving her a gift. It is what we were put here to do! Wow, the streets are so nice and wide! And your car is still gorgeous! So glad you got your phone back, that was a scary few minutes!
ReplyDeleteThere are many ways to help others.
ReplyDeleteWhere was your phone hiding? :)
God had His Eye on you and your phone. We also have called our phones. Works.
ReplyDeleteYour friend who helped you find your phone is wise; yes, I am slowing down too and as the years go by, less able to help people physically. As she said, it is circular and now it is her turn to help you. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you found your photo. It is good to have someone to help you when you need help.
That's what friends do, they are there for you. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.
Jeanne is absolutely right! I believe you give blessings to people when they help you! Beautiful picture of your town! I know when you drop something on the side of your seat it goes into an abyss!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean and how you felt. I am at that point in my life also.
ReplyDeletebut there are many ways to help. and speaking only for myself...
you help me with your Own indomitable spirit. and for that I Thank You! XOXO
so glad you have such a good friend. I imagine it was scary - living alone and no phone.
ReplyDeleteHi Inger - so pleased for you ... Jeanne sounds brilliant and her words are so right and true to life. Take care and all the best - Hilary
ReplyDelete