As I lay in bed healing during my medical leave, my heart tells me that I am blessed. The pandemic was long, difficult, confusing, and extremely lonely for me as a single woman. There were many days where I wished that I was married just so that I would not have to face such life all by my lonesome. There was times when I felt as if I was all alone in this world without a single thought about my existence. This past week has proven that all of this was an illusion.
I have not cooked since last week because friends have sent or delivered food to my home. There are three pairs of compression socks in different colors in my drawer because one friend was afraid of blood clots. There was a late night jello pop up. Another friend turned my dining room table into her office just so I would have company in the house while I rested in bed. Babies have made their presence known in my childless world and have inspired a smile or two. My brother provided transportation for me and even bought roses and more jello before making himself comfortable in the other room. Texts, phone calls, and messages pour in daily along with little gifts. I had no idea that people cared about me so much.
My lesson from all of this has been that you have to gather the courage to ask for help when you need it. Then, it is your responsibility to sit back and let people shower you with the love that you need. As I reflect upon my life, I do not remember a time when I was so cared for and embraced. It saddens me to think that I was going to keep this experience to myself. My silence would have deprived me of the love that is currently assisting my healing process. If I could climb a mountain this evening, I would claw my way to top and shout to the heavens, “Share your truth and wait for the sun to shine all over your being. The warmth feels awesome.”