I’ve had many first day on the job, first time to visit a new church and many parties when I knew no one around me but my husband. There are so many first in our lives and that doesn’t change with age. As a teacher I see the new look in kids at school weather that is being new to the school, a different grade or just that look of “wow it’s a new year”. Whatever is first or new can be a struggle and hard to get through. Sometimes first and new can be something that is a good thing and other times it can be life changing.
Last year I experienced a first and new event in my life when my bestie Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer. It wasn’t by any means something that would enhance any of our lives and most of us walked in that door uneducated. Over a year later it is a much brighter future and the outcome is headed in the right direction. I had no idea how in the world I would be there for her. After all I had never in my life known anyone that had breast cancer. How in the world would I help her? What words do I have to give her comfort? What if I say the wrong thing? What if my bestie didn’t beat this? How in the world do I do this? I’m known for running. Not on the treadmill or street but in life from what hurts or scares me. This time I couldn’t, this time I had to stand my ground and watch this play out no matter the outcome. Karen will tell you there were times I said the wrong things, times that I had no words and times I wanted to just run. Looking back, all Karen needed was for me to be there. She needed me to hear her and not always have something to say. Hugs were many and tears were often. In the end all Karen needed me to do was give her a step up from her thoughts and fears. Just a friend that heard her and didn’t give her advice with every breath.
Sometimes all we need is a step up. A friend or family member to just hear us and let that be enough. All of this has been a though in my head for over a year but I couldn’t put words to it. While out junk shopping I came across this old stool. It’s a chair but can change into a stool to help someone with a step up. That is how my friendship with Karen is, we have learned to change to what the other needs at that moment. We have also learned to be quiet when that is needed as well. Our friendship has evolved so many times in the past 20 years. I’m sure it will evolve many more times over the next 20 plus years. I’m so looking forward to those years.
Like most of the furniture I redo its aged, worn and needs to be loved so was this little stool. Most people would just walk right past it and never give it a thought. I decided it needed to be given its own step up. A little sanding, paint, more sanding it’s now ready for a restored life in someone’s home. I’m sure if we all look around we can see someone who needs a step up. It doesn’t even have to be someone you know. Help a neighbor or co-worker, whoever and whatever you think they need. Smiles and laughter are free but go a really long way in someone’s day. Hump day is the day to make someone’s week Blue Happy.
This stool will be in my booth at Doc Holliday’s Emporium 113 S Birmingham Wylie Tx on Thursday February 2nd.
