We help one another as best we can.
I have already described how Danica helped us with the microwave, but a few days later, it was time to take the old one to the curb to be hauled away. With both my back and wrist acting up, Shauna took her turn to help when she came by to do the lifting.
A day later, I did my bit by picking up Jonathan to take him to work. He usually calls upon me on Wednesdays for his 4 o’clock shift when no one in his two families is available.
It was 7:30 in the evening when I got another and unexpected call from JJ imploring me to drive him home after work.
He has seldom asked me to drive him home as there are cars and drivers available in both of his domiciles. Flukishly, all 4 possible drivers were otherwise engaged, and it would be quite a hike in the dark and frigid temperatures! and he wasn’t particularly well dressed for the weather.
I told him I could be there in 10 minutes, and I made zt after changing into outside pants, donning my winter garb and backing the car out of the garage.
A day later, Danica sent this text: "Hey guys, I’m on break at work from 4:45-5. I’m just getting over my cold and I could really use something hot to drink right now. I was wondering if you guys would be able to bring me some tea in a travel mug? Preferably with honey, some milk and 2 Splenda? In a travel mug that shuts somehow as I can’t have open drinks."
Sue made two drinks: the one requested and also a hot lemon and honey beverage that might soothe a sore throat. We use it fairly frequently.
We there in about 15 minutes, hot drinks in hand. I stopped by the door, Sue got out with the drinks, and handed them to Danica who was waiting just inside the door.
And now I recall that it was only a few years ago that I would get up at 6 on a Sunday morning to drive Danica to work, so her mother could sleep in.
Although, “they also serve who only stand and wait,” I am pleased that Sue and I are not merely just waiting on the sidelines and can still help out in our own ways.
"They also serve who only stand and wait" is the final line of John Milton's 17th-century poem "On His Blindness" (Sonnet 19). It signifies that individuals who cannot act actively due to limitations—such as blindness, illness, or waiting—still serve God or a greater purpose through patience, faith, and resignation to their circumstances.
A former first lady of our nation once said, "It takes a village". It really does at times.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post of kindness in so many way.
ReplyDeleteThat last quote doesn’t resonate with me. Not at all. Think of the poor homeless people everywhere, the children and elderly homeless especially. Need I say more? By the way, it was good of you and Sue to heed Danica’s plea.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think you understood it.
DeleteTo me it did resonate on several levels…. a) like AC said…. the standing folks are those in need and there is a calling to serve those in need, b) but also that I believe all of us have needs and we must be aware and WILLING to accept the service of others if given…. sometimes a more daunting task…. because you have to accept you may also need, which is hard to sometimes admit.
DeleteI b like those quotes, and you are right, while there are some things we cannot do anymore as we aged, there are still many ways we can be helpful and useful.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to be useful for those we love.
ReplyDeleteI think you all can be called good guys.
ReplyDeleteYou get the Good Grandparents Award! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteWill it come in the mail? 😁
DeleteGood for you!
ReplyDeleteYou know what I love? That your grandchildren aren't afraid to call you to ask a favor. Truth be told, that is not even something I could do with my parents.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of it that way. I assumed it was natural.
DeleteI try to be that for my children. But no. It is not always the case.
DeleteI love how you are all close enough to each other in proximity that you can do this for each other. Of course, we could do it for a friend or neighbor, but I love that it is your family.
ReplyDeleteAll this defines family!
ReplyDeleteYour family is wonderful and special, I love that your grandkids call you up! I hope I can say the same when the time comes :)
ReplyDeleteThat ripple effect...spreading outward and returning. I LOVE being a grandparent...I hope I can be you when mine reach this stage.
ReplyDeleteI echo Drum Major's comment. 🥁
ReplyDeleteSo very nice. A life with service is a life IMO with purpose.
ReplyDeletePipeTobacco
That's an excellent quote! I love being able to help when needed and it's reciprocal which is a huge support to everyone. For much of my life, it was me depending on my parents for some childcare and favors, then as they aged, it switched around. I was thankful to live close and to be able to be there for them.
ReplyDeleteAt almost 83, I'm happy to be able to help by picking Josie up from school . I remember my grandmother, when she was driving my to something or other telling me that in not too many years, it would be my turn to drive her. And so it goes.
ReplyDeleteI usually do the picking up of our grandchildren in the evenings after their mother drops them off to activities. I love that time with the individually!
ReplyDeleteHelping family out is pleasant as long it doesn't happen too often.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know that, even though our offspring may be grown and flown with families of their own, we can still be relied upon for assistance and support, in so many different ways.
ReplyDeleteWonderful that you are all so close. I can remember a time when.....
ReplyDeleteEnjoy it.
I admire the fact that your family is so close and can help each other out like this. It is wonderful. This coming from a person whose stepchild has written me off, and good sons who live at least 2 or so hours away.
ReplyDeleteThankfully I have created a community of friends that act just like a good family would.
Many days I wish our family was closer so we could be of more help.
ReplyDeleteI have that whole sonnet by memory. Sort of. "Doth God exact day labour, light denied, I fondly ask?" I taught it as well, and had a hard time getting the kids' minds around the fact that 'fondly' does not mean 'with affection', but rather foolishness.
ReplyDeleteHot drinks on call, and I love it. I hope Danica is now better. And kudos to you for driving - the snow banks out here are steep and beginning to crowd the road.
You guys are so wonderful and blessed to have each other. I have just moved next door to my Dad, but we are still feeling out the situation and I am trying not to be too overbearing or in his space. I am sure we will figure out a new normal.
ReplyDelete