The reason I count my blessings.
Like most people, I bitch about small things all the time. Having to stop for gas when it’s raining, fighting Ava to go to sleep, not finding good wine deals at Kroger. With friends, I used to do that a lot, too. Their annoying quirks were personality flaws to me. I never seemed to embrace their differences for what they were. My patience was thin and I was always so easily angered by the slightest off-handed comment. When it came to dealing with people, I had no idea what grace was.
I can say that I’ve come a long way in the past few years. Some traumatic events over the past year made me realize even more that life is too short to sweat the little things. This is even more true to me tonight.
I just found out that an acquaintance of mine from college lost her entire home in a fire early this morning. She escaped through a bathroom window with her husband and three kids into the freezing night while they watched their house explode in a ball of flames. They lost everything, but they have each other.
She and I sat next to each other for two semesters. She’s a talented and lovely person, and we just meshed well. I can’t say that we are truly friends, but we keep in touch and I follow her success through social media. Despite our cool friendship, I feel compelled to reach out to her. I’m sure she has so many resources to turn to and I doubt any offers from me will mean much. But she’s a good soul with an amazing family and I really feel for them right now.
My question is that when it comes to fair weather friends, is it inappropriate to get involved in the meaty things that happen in their lives?
I think so…even if she turns you down, just reaching out to offer help goes a long way. And maybe she will tell you she doesn’t need anything right now, but maybe down the road you could do something. You know, send her a card and a small house warming gift when she moves into a new place…some wine!
Thanks Valerie! I think I will send her a card. She set up a bank account for donations so I’ll probably do that as well.
I find so many times in life that it is the friends I am not so close with who I inevitably share life changing moments with. I don’t know if distance builds some inalienable trust but in the end strangers make good bed fellows.
I hardly know you, but if your house burned down I would open my doors because what we do share is true…not to mention rocking out to 80′s Cult tunes would be awesome.
Good friends are there when you need them. Whoever they are.
Taylor recently posted..letters to myself…part one
So true. I guess I never really take the time to think about things like this. Being more present, aware and thankful are things I’m working on. And I’m very thankful for friends, though we are far apart, like you.