I used to check in on an elderly couple I knew, and they had a home health worker that came in a few times a week to provide care. Our interactions were polite and courteous when our visits overlapped, but our conversations revolved around the couple...they never became personal on any level.
During this period, I began a messy divorce and found out my mother had stage 4 cancer within the space of a couple of days. Several months later the emotional upheaval, worrying about my children, caring for my parents, financial stress, second job, lack of sleep, and living with constant dread began taking it's toll. I was horrendously depressed and became sick.
It must have showed, because one day this woman just walked up to me for no reason and hugged the hell out of me. Out of nowhere. I was very embarrassed, but I totally smiled and pretended to have no idea why she would think I needed such a thing. "That was so nice of you.... but nothing's wrong! Really. I'm fine. Ha ha!"
Happened a long time ago, but it reminded me that some people are paying attention...and they do care.
During this period, I began a messy divorce and found out my mother had stage 4 cancer within the space of a couple of days. Several months later the emotional upheaval, worrying about my children, caring for my parents, financial stress, second job, lack of sleep, and living with constant dread began taking it's toll. I was horrendously depressed and became sick.
It must have showed, because one day this woman just walked up to me for no reason and hugged the hell out of me. Out of nowhere. I was very embarrassed, but I totally smiled and pretended to have no idea why she would think I needed such a thing. "That was so nice of you.... but nothing's wrong! Really. I'm fine. Ha ha!"
Happened a long time ago, but it reminded me that some people are paying attention...and they do care.
