You smile a lot. But you rarely mean it. You pretend that you’re living. But you’re barely surviving. Each morning you search the depths of your soul desperately seeking a tiny drop of strength to make it through the day. You can’t go on like this. Every day, there’s a little less in your soul. Every day it’s harder to find a reason to get up. You’re on your last few breaths…
A week ago a friend emailed you and asked for your help. His parents are going away, and he needs to take care of his mentally handicapped brother. You don’t know why, but you said you’ll help him today. You can’t think anymore, you can’t make a decision anymore. You just say yes when you think someone expects you to say yes. You’re a meaningless piece of scrap paper being tossed around in a blizzard. You’re not in control of your life anymore.
You get to your friend's place; he’s happy to see you and introduces you to his brother. The rest of the day is a bit different that you expected. His brother is a delightful kid. When he laughs you can hear that nothing in this world bothers him. He doesn’t lie in bed at night and tortures himself. He has someone who takes care of him… he has someone that loves him exceedingly. What more can he possibly ask for?
You stare at your friend as he plays with his brother: “You seem to take such great care of your bother. Did you really need my help today” He looks up, “No, I didn’t need your help.” “Then why did you ask me to come help you?” He smiles at you with loving eyes:
“Because you needed my help.”
________________________
We are our own best teachers. If you need help, give all the help you have.
For some reason we don’t always value ourselves enough. The greatest strength we have is seldom for ourselves. So if you’re feeling weak today, go be strong for someone else.
you're right
ReplyDeleteGr8 story, and SO true.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the follow - and thanks for these thought-provoking vignettes - looking forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteVery well written story and excellent advice :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, it's just what I needed to hear this morning !
Have a good week ...
Great story!
ReplyDeleteThere is no better feeling than being strong for someone else.
OMG! What an INCREDIBLE post! Shut up! Man, makes me feel like all of my wallowing in the bad things going on in my life, well, like nothing! What a great point and what a perspective. I was NOT expecting what the end brought. Thank you for sharing. I WILL be back for more.
ReplyDeletelove love love this post.
ReplyDeleteits so true.
ps. ummm twenty bucks says you'd smile.
I take cash, check, or credit. I kid I kid, the smiles are free.
ReplyDeleteThat YOU for doing the same. Life is TOO short to be anything BUT happy sir.
"The greatest strength we have is seldom for ourselves. So if you’re feeling weak today, go be strong for someone else."
ReplyDelete--So, so true!