posted on December 23, 2000 06:13:27 PM new
At a time when we all are complaining about the jumbled listings mess, (me included). As well as other news we fear, related to Yahoo being bought by eBay. I thought I would take this time to share a little trip back to reality. I continue to use my sense of humor, such little as I have, to help me deal with things that are not so easy to deal with otherwise. I would like to share these thoughts with you, if the moderators don't object, and will let this post stand.
Several months ago I sold an item to a very nice elderly woman. She bought it for her caregiver. I found out later this buyer had cancer, and was not expected to live through the year. We became e-mail friends as a result of that sale, she really liked e-mailing and getting my answers. She dictated usually, and the caregiver typed, as she got worse. She had no immediate family left, as she outlived her husband and two sons. She only had me to talk to, by e-mail, other than her caregiver. We talked about everything in our lives, all of it.
I tried to make her happy, and laugh when I could. Most times I just shared with her, what she wanted to share. She enjoyed going back to fond memories, as she loved to remember them. I enjoyed sharing them with her. It's so very hard to try to say the right things, to someone you know will not possibly see next year. To be upbeat, as much as you can. I couldn't bring myself to wish her a Merry Christmas, as I knew that she was struggling to make it to the end of the year. She passed away this evening. So close, but just could not make it. At least now she is at peace, in no more pain, and with God.
Her caregiver just sent me an e-mail telling me she never got my last e-mail I sent this morning. In it I told her to have a 'Merry Christmas', as I thought she was going to make it. How hard it is to know she never heard those words, and did not make it to Christmas. She was so medicated in the final hours, she was asleep and never woke up. The caregiver told me everyday she looked forward to hearing from me. Even though the words were so hard for me to type. I've never seen a picture of her, because she didn't want anyone to see her like that. I told her what ever she wanted was fine with me, and I respected her wishes. She asked for a picture of me. So I e-mailed her a picture, and told her "I hope this doesn't make you any sicker than you already are". That may seem insensitive, but it's not, you'd have to know her. She had a very good sense of humor, and humor help her to cope. She laughed at that, her caregiver told me. She said she would save me a place, if she made it to heaven. I have no doubts about her getting there; hopefully I will meet her someday. She lived life to the fullest and was grateful for everyday she had, especially those shared with her husband and sons.
So I end by saying this. Be thankful for what you have. Your loved ones, your spouses, your children and grandchildren, friends, and relatives all. Let the little things go for a few days and just be thankful for your blessings at Christmas time. Be thankful that we, and our loved ones, are here for Christmas, to be together. There are so many who will not be here this year. I know from now on that Christmas will bring me special thoughts of her, and help me remember how blessed I am. God bless the soles of those who didn't make it to see this Christmas on earth, and I hope they have a great one in heaven.
Merry Christmas Eve, and Merry Christmas day, to all of you and your loved ones,
posted on December 30, 2000 01:20:52 PM new
God bless you CharlieOne, When I get much older, I hope to find a friend as nice as you. My motto is "Each one Teach One" and you have taught many at once with your kind post here. Dana71...now 72!
Goingslow
posted on December 30, 2000 06:42:21 PM new
dana71
Thanks for your kind words, I appreciate them very much. Have a safe, and very happy New Years celebration, with those you love and care about. I hope you, and your loved ones, have a happy and healthy 2001.
