Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Say The Thing

If anyone is glad that you are here, then you have not lived in vain.

Charles Hoffman
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The young woman who lives on the first floor and I seldom talk. She's a nine to fiver with an active social life. So she's not here a lot and when she is she tends to stick to herself. We have had a few conversations over the years and she is always very pleasant. One day she said something to me that was golden.

I spent the day today cleaning my apartment and rearranging things, moving this over there, putting that away and finding a better place for the other thing. It was very tiring and I joked to myself that I really need a maid and maybe a handy man or two.

It brought to mind an episode I had last summer when I was being urged to move into an assisted living facility and I was seriously considering it for a time. Eventually I decided not to do it and to stay put even though I live three flights up and am alone. I sincerely felt I had made the right decision, but I still had a few doubts, when my neighbor came home from her job and found me sitting on the front porch. She stopped to chat and I told her what had gone on and what my decision was. She said "Well, I'm glad you're not leaving us."

That remark was worth more than I could possibly repay. It also taught me a lesson about how important a simple statement of appreciation can be, it can mean life to someone.

Tell someone today that you are glad they are there.

DB
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WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest)

What was the most significant event that happened in 2010?

dbdacoba@aol.com

1 response so far

I await your answer.
DB
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4 comments:

Rose~* said...

You are lucky to have a neighbour like that. I just can't picture you in an assisted living arrangement just yet, either. You're still too young!

pacifica62 said...

I know how warm and fuzzy a comment like that would feel in my life and I do try to pass the sentiments along to others who I value and appreciate and who make a difference in my life.
I will start here and say that I am glad that you are still with us db and not shuffling around in some home for wayward old actors.

Arlene (AJ) said...

DB, I think you indeed made the best choice for yourself by staying where you are, the assisted living facility would not have been the right choice for someone with your stamina and quick wit with words that you have. Just reading your words when you write tells all of us how strong mentally and with it you are dear. Isn't it nice when a comment like your neighbor made from her heart brings comfort and peace with her words. Haven't been available for a week or so, but have read your blogs I missed and as usual they are very touching.

Ken Riches said...

Appreciation and gratitude are such powerful attributes. Thank you for your insightful posts.