PERSPECTIVE

I was feeling a little bluesy lately. I couldn't blame any one thing or any one person, but I had very little enthusiasm for most things. I couldn't blame the rain, or Mom or anything. Then I got a message that put things in perspective - someone who I met while Ubering and tried to help had passed away.

Her name was Beatrice and she was one of the nice people you hear so little about. She worked more than one job for years. She had been undergoing chemotherapy and it wasn't easy for her. Her family wasn't close and she liked it that way. She had worked hard in her life and had just retired and was hoping to enjoy her free time to travel and do whatever she enjoyed.

Here is the type of lady she was. In our talks on the way to her treatments, we got to know a bit of each other's life. Once she heard about Mom (and met her a few times), she mentioned that once her illness had been dealt with, Mom could come and stay with her so I could have some time free to do as I wanted. She was THAT kind of lady.

 I offered many times to help with whatever she needed, if it was household chores or just an ear to listen, yet it took months before she mentioned anything at all. I was more than happy to help this compassionate woman any way I could. I felt humbled that this independent, strong, and proud woman would allow me the pleasure to assist in some small way. It is hard to imagine that she is gone so soon.

She had so much to look forward to and we all need a good soul to touch our lives. I hope she found the peace and freedom of pain she so deserved. I won't soon forget her....

I don't need reminders of how lucky I am or how I should always be happy about everything. The one thing I have learned about myself is that I see deeply. I think deeply. And my emotions run deeply as well. The downside is it takes a moment to spring back when the down-times occur. This time I give full credit to Beatrice for wanting to be happier, but the world would be a better place with her still in it.