Some days you just feel beaten down by it all.
I’m lucky. I have Mister, and that guy stands strong when I’m weak. But I don’t want to lean on him each and every time I’m breaking down.
I have friends, and those (mostly) gals mean the world to me. Those strong women inspire me. They encourage me. They believe in me. Again, I’m lucky. But I don’t want to turn to them too much, either. I respect them and I absolutely do not believe those friendships exist merely to prop me up when I’m faltering.
By the way, as of late I am faltering quite a bit.
So yesterday, when the world brought a brick wall right up to my door and insisted I run into it, I felt myself breaking. Fortunately, I knew just which number to dial – my Patty.
Patty listened to me. She asked questions and empathized. She let me cry. And she didn’t judge. She was simply there for me, just like I knew she would be.
In the end, I spewed for about 15 minutes or so and then we moved on to her and her world. It turned into a positive conversation, and we both felt better for having talked. After an hour, she needed to get on with her evening and I needed to vacate the hardware store parking lot. We said our goodbyes and hung up.
I’m lucky. I have friends and loved ones in my atmosphere, and they’re there for me. I don’t like having to rely on them, but I’m mighty grateful I can. I pray I’m able to be there for them, should they need to rely on me. I’ll do the best I can.
Yesterday, Patty did the best she could for me. And her best was just what I needed. She may never know what she did for me, but I know. And I’ll always love her for it.