Touch

 Who and how many folks have our contacts touched in our time?  Not something I ever thought of writing about before but this is the story.

If you haven't gathered by now I have been "organizing." Today after sorting stuff for hours this morning I have a bag of cards from my husband's covid birthday drive-through party,condolences from his funeral, my surgery get-well wishes and others.  

Life has come at me a bit quickly the past few years that I never took much time to "savor" all the kind words and well-wishing.  Today was that day.  It's not a fast process, believe me!

What hit me though as I looked at each name were the memories of every single person, some that spanned a lifetime.  One was my first next door neighbor. We were best friends and when we talk it's like no time has lapsed, as we recall shared memories.  

To think all who sent cards of support during these times in my life...how many lives have we touched...and how many more whom we don't know about!! This is what flooded me as I perused each card.

Yes, friends now say, "yes, but look at the friend you have been to others!" True, but how often does it really hit our conscious mind to fully take in how profound it is of how and where we touch those around us.  We may not even have had opportunity to become friends. 

It could be in a group, when we spoke in a class, met someone in the isle while shopping, a neighbor...times and places are too many to mention.  These are all "touches." It can be mind boggling.

So, how does this pan out for you, for those in your life whom you have touched by word, deed or presence?  Bet it's more than you ever imagined!! Think about it!! 

Courtesy of Pixabay

Abundance

 I have been listening to tapes that help our brainwaves and one of the tapes focuses on abundance...not financial but in all other ways in our lives.  It's very interesting. 

As I write these posts I receive comments (which I encourage) and have come to the realization that other viewpoints really offer so much more.  

I remember many years ago when my place of work was building; management had announced one plan but then things changed.  An employee came to me and asked, "why did they lie to us?" I replied, "they didn't lie, but after listening to other suggestions, found that other options became feasible". 

Sometimes we never even think of broader options and need others' input to see different ways.  There are ways to do this without others wanting to kill the messenger! 

So, what does this have to do with abundance? Perhaps it has to do with the fact that when we allow others to speak, listening to their viewpoint and pondering those words for ourselves, we may hear something helpful, like I did on how to help others after the Helene disasters (in a previous post)! We can become a better, more abundant person for it!

Figure It Out!

Have you ever felt helpless in the wake of a disaster?  It may take some doing to figure it all out. I felt that way many years ago when I discovered inches of water in our basement!  I was panic-stricken...to the point of running outside, seeing my across-the-street neighbors, whom I didn't know, and hollered for help from them!  We are good friends now!!

I have good friends in Asheville who are enduring the effects of hurricaine Helene. They have texted what their journey is like, struggles and resources.  It makes me sick.  Knowing them personally, I would like to get resources directly to them but don't know how. 

The second and third year after Katrina I went to Biloxi/Gulfport to help but am not able now. Seeing the devastation along the gulf then, I certainly can envision the mess in those states now...and for years to come! So, rather than sitting here wringing my hands in futility I am hoping this little post inspires you and others to "do something."

You, like I, will figure out what that "something" is.  If I had a helicoptor I would fly rations in; if I could go there, I would; if I knew they could get mail, I would send money. I know large organizations are asking for donations.  That is always an option.  I am still figuring it out ; I hope you do, too!  Thank you!

Courtesy of Pixabay

PS.  By simply writing this post, several comments came that were so helpful.  It pays to speak out to share concerns with others!! I followed their advice and I feel better that I did!  Consider sharing this with your friends! Thank you!