It has been a rather usual period of time that has passed. I kept typing "unusual" instead because that is how things generally are but it seriously has been business as usual. That puts me on edge. I think this is the longest I've gone in some time now without an adventure or unlikely experience. Don't think for a moment I am taking it for granted but I am savoring it. How long can normality exist around here? Ha, we shall see.
My husband says I worry far too much what others will think but that is just who I am and when I have tried to brush things off I dwell on them more. Some people are sympathetic, or apathetic but I am top to bottom empathetic. I feel every one's pain, sorrow and laughter. It was first brought to my attention when I was in junior high school. Aunt Alberta, my foster mom, noticed that kids from school would call me at home and ask advice, mostly about social situations or the pangs of falling in love. We talked about it when I was older and we just couldn't pin in down. I cannot presume to know what it is that tells a person that I am someone they can trust to hear their story. In the beginning it was disarming because I was still wary of everyone after coming out of a nightmare foster home. When I began realizing it was sincere and they weren't trying to set me up or anything sinister I found peace with it.
The phone rang often. On a couple of occasions it was a "dreamy" boy from school who was looking to ask out a certain "someone" and did I know what "she" liked or how to ask "her". Then it sometimes turned to calls needing reassurance because of a break up. I helped to advise several young men that I had my own eyes on. One married the girl and they now have 5 kids.
In the next 40 years it has been simply a way of life for me.Whether it is family life, community friends, people I've worked with or strangers I met at a garage sale, I have been blessed with hearing many stories and seeing many things that I hope have helped some one's life feel a little better than it was before. I would like to thank God for trusting this in me. I know that I could not see what I've seen, know what I know without Angels. Tonight, I am feeling so blessed.
