"Err" on the side of aggression
....Wow that sounds powerful doesn't it .....? Powerful it is...and in a positive way...Holidays are a difficult time for people for lots of reasons. The first year without a loved one....parent, spouse, sibling....close friend. Unemployment or under employment that means a compromise traditional celebrations.
Illness...newly discovered, chronic, terminal....you know someone who is experiencing a health challenge.
Relationships Finances Health
It doesn't matter what he nature of the situation is....if you proclaim a relationship with these people...don't shy away from contacting them...it could be an e-mail to let them know you are thinking about them...how about a few of the extra cookies you just made...a small pointsettia....an ornament you made...a few minutes for a hospital visit, a stop at the viewing at the funeral home...a few minutes of your time will be part of a lasting memory for the person who needs it most. Don't just SAY you are a friend...just be one.
It's hard to know what to say...what to do or not do....words don't come easily....it's OK to let tears fall,...you are human after all...and compassion is a gift you feel...you let be known....the very worst thing to do is nothing. There is the "obligatory"...."I'll be thinking of you....let me know if you need anything," likely the comment just after an injury, illness, death, divorce. People don't call you and say...I just wanted a touch, a knowing that you cared....it's a gift you can give, that costs you nothing and the reward to the recipient and yourself is immeasurable....just do it.
Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, CSS, e-Pro,ILHM, REDS
it seems the best phone calls of all start with "I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you"
Hi Sally and David-
Thank you for these beautiful thoughts on some small, but very meaningful ways to make the day better for just one person who may need us more than we know.
Happy Holidays! --Sara in San Antonio
Yes ladies....it IS the little things that count in bigger ways than I can express.
Thank you it is important to be a friend all year round but especially during the holidays.
I agree with all of you! How nice! Also, thanks for your advice the other day....It turns out they are doing chap 13 on top of 8 new judgments and title company and others agree it will be 2.5 yrs at the earliest to close on this one, so we are gonna have to start over :-)
Hi Sally:
You're so right...
Take some time, especially during the holidays and make the connection.
Very rewarding!
It's so simple just to pick up the phone and yet it could mean so much to someone. Thanks for sharing this reminder.
It's soo easy and the memory of your minute of thoughtfulness will last a lifetime !
A wonderful sentiment that is really great to practice at this time year but even better to keep in going the whole year long. Nicely communicated!
Thank you Dianne....it is heartfelt....we know from personal experience how good it feels to be remembered when there are challenges in life.
Hey Guys! We have all been on the other side of the scenario and know in our hearts how just a little gesture can mean a great deal.
Your Florida Friends!
We knew that would be your place....and you are right....a phone call, e-mail a minute or two can be the brightest bouquet in someone's day !
The larger one's family grows, the more difficult it becomes to stay in touch with everyone. People come into one's live, and people go out of one's life. It's a journey, and not an easy one.
Sowing concern...howver you choose to do it is always appreciated...sometime not verbalized as often as it should be...the human touch has a very comforting effect.