I live withing 30 minutes of my hometown. And even though my parents have relocated, they live just over an hour away. If something happens to me and I need help, or a favor, or an above-and-beyond, I have it. When I came home from the doctor's office with a diagnosis of Bell's Palsy to a baby who never slept and a head that felt like a knife was being jammed behind my left ear, my mom was able to be with me within hours and proceeded to wash my dishes, fold my laundry and then drive me back to her house for some TLC and sleep. I am blessed that way.
My friends (and my sister), however, live all over the country. When they go through hard times they don't have the same convenience I do of a mom that lives just down the highway. They have to depend on local friends and neighbors for support and their moms have to buy plane tickets to arrive on their doorsteps. It is frustrating when I can't be the one to bring over a meal, babysit kids, or give hugs. I feel so helpless sometimes to not be able to swoop in and help, and, to be honest, sometimes I lay in bed at night wondering how I can buy a plane ticket or where I can stash the kids so I can fly out to physically be there for a friend in need.
I told someone the other day that by the time we have the freedom to go and help when needed, our friends won't need us anymore. That's not true, really, but we're all in the same boat. We are just tied down a bit more than we were before we had kids.
So I can't be there in person and it sucks. I'm here, two thousand miles away, thinking, praying and loving from a distance. But if thoughts and prayers and love had wings, I would already be there.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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Sara told me last night about the thoughtful gift you giving. It really can be hard being away from family- not only during tough times but also when you just want to spend some time together or have a family BBQ. I don't think we'll ever not need each other though.
Oh, take lots of pictures this time while Jules is there!
You bear the distance well my friend. And watch, by the time we are old and free to fly...we'll all be near each other again.
I think that your thoughts, prayers, and love do have wings. I'm not close to my parents emotionally. I have one stepsister that I see occasionally. Nobody really shares details or supports each other in any way in my family. I know that your heart breaks when you can't be there. However, I think you are the type of person who is *there* more than you realize. :)
Amy, this post makes me cry. I know exactly how you feel. You are a wonderful friend to my sis.
So well written and straight from your heart! You are a true friend indeed! I can't wait for you to "fly" over and visit me.
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