Archive for the ‘think about it’ Category

The past few months have been like a roller coaster ride for our family.  My sister had a tragic death in her family, my mother-in-law had a hip replacement and not one but two pulmonary embolisms in the aftermath (super scary!)…. and we have other family members in great need of love and help.

I’ve been thinking about writing this post for the last few weeks… about the things we do for each other that lift us up and sustain us during hard times.

When something like the earthquake in Japan happens, the entire world comes together to help.  Families and friends make quilts together, children break open their piggy banks to send money, communities put together care kits.  We are there for each other.

But what do you do when the suffering is close to home?

As I’ve thought about writing this post, I looked back at the 5 long months when I had premature twins in the NICU with an 18 month old toddler at home.  Our friends and family provided endless meals, cleaned our home, mowed our lawn.  It was always a balm to my soul when I would walk into my home after a harrowing day in NICU to find a warm meal and a sparkling clean kitchen.  In every sweet gesture I saw love in action.

It is also clear to me, having been on both sides of the aisle, that it is much nicer to give than to receive.  And even as I cook a meal today I remember how hard it was to be the one in need.

So here is a short list of things that can be done to help:

Making a dinner is wonderful.  But don’t forget breakfast.  A basket with fresh strawberries, granola, and yogurt is easy to put together… but is also very thoughtful.  A friend who recently had a baby told me that someone had brought her breakfast.  After a long night with a newborn and a family who needed an early breakfast before work and school, breakfast was an incredibly appreciated meal.

Help clean their home.

Do their laundry.

Press their clothes.   When a friend of mine lost her son, she told me that a friend came and picked up their clothes before the funeral and returned them neatly pressed and ready for them to wear.  It meant so much to her.

Work in their yard.  This is a nice gesture especially this time of year when spring yard clean up can be overwhelming.  Planting a few flowers by the front door can really lift spirits.

Take their kids to the park so they can have some quiet time.

Give them a potted flower… something that won’t die fast like cut flowers.

Be there for support.

This is by no means a complete list… and I would love to hear your insight.

More than anything, it is thinking about each other, being aware of each other that really matters.

“What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other.”

– George Eliot

This past week we’ve had a roller coaster of spring.  Snow falling one minute… sun peaking out and melting it all the next.

Today is grey skies.  But at least it’s warm and I plan to spend part of it out in my garden.

Pulling weeds…   Already?

And planting peas and lettuce.   I’m a little later than I’d like for planting my peas… but better late than never.

I always soak my peas overnight before planting them.  It gives them a little bit of a head start.

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One thing I can count on when working in my garden is the happiness it brings me. We all need those activities in our lives that restore our sense of balance and bring us peace.  Working in the garden is one of those activities for me.

For someone else… it’s something different altogether…  Whatever that activity is, it’s critical that we find it.  Cultivate it.  Do it with purpose:

Today I am working in the garden.  Today I will feel the warm spring air and smell the soil and I will be content.