Amazing

Walking toward the kitchen after waking from my Saturday afternoon nap the telephone message light was blinking.  Thinking it was another telemarketing call I punched the button and kept walking.

“Hello, Richard this is Ruth.  You may know that my husband, Joe, died this weekend.  I just wanted to call and tell you how much I appreciated your visits to our home.  Thanks, goodbye.”

Stopping dead in my tracks my head shook in bewilderment.  My visits had been few.  Talking with her husband and providing minor assistance as he moved from his wheel chair to his walker and as he got into bed was the extent of my “help.”  The rest of my time was spent watching television or reading.

Sure she was able to get out run errands and have some free time which was of great benefit to her.  Compared to what she and her family endured my contributions were minor.  Yet I receive a message dripping in sincerity.

Never will the enormity of my contributions however small cease to astonish me.  A few hours of visiting someone in need, sharing conversation and often a few laughs, always results in a magnitude of appreciation.

Amazing.