Over the years, as someone who has often resisted technology and the instant gratification it can provide, it seems a bit hypocritical that I would opt to send an email or text as opposed to picking up the telephone to call a friend. A hand-written note is one thing, but a phone call is entirely another. I'm not a phone person. Period.
But my gift for Day 26 was just that: a Phone Call.
On this day, my thoughts kept going back to my oldest and dearest friend, M. We were born exactly five days apart, met one another on our first day of kindergarten and were best friends for the next ten years until she moved away. We lost touch throughout high school and didn't see one another until that one, fateful day in college, when I felt a hand reach out and grab me by the arm. We were heading in opposite directions on the concrete pathway, but she spotted me and pulled me into a hug that I won't soon forget (I smile as I write this, because I remember that moment of immeasureable happiness as if it were yesterday).
Much has changed over the years; she is married now and a mother of three, residing in CA, where she is living the life she always dreamed of. We keep in touch via Facebook, letters and cards on birthdays and holidays, but it has been years since we spoke on the telephone for hours like we did way back when we were young girls. Oddly enough, I'd had a dream about her a few nights prior, so I interpreted this as the Universe's way of telling me I needed to call her. And so I did---and I'm glad.
It turns out that M had been feeling pretty down; her husband was traveling for work and she was home alone with the kids, feeling exhausted and under the weather. When she answered the phone, I was immediately grateful I'd called; I miss her so and the sound of her voice was like a hug from my old friend. She repeatedly thanked me for calling, marveling at my timing and how much it helped just to hear MY voice at the other end of the line.
Once again, my intent to give a gift brought me one in return; nothing beats the gratification of being "there" for a friend when they need someone to lean on. Gifts don't always have to be wrapped up in pretty paper and tied with a bow; sometimes, the best gifts are simple gestures that on the surface, may seem insignificant and trivial, when in fact, they're actions that keep hearts connected.
* * *
Today's Gratitude List:
1) Friends.2) Finding the hat I thought I had lost!
3) Inspiration to PAINT!
I'm going backwards but I love that you found the hat that you lost. I completely know that feeling of losing something that may not be valuable (or may be) in price but it means alot!
ReplyDeleteI know we've discussed how we both are not phone people so I can understand the hesitation of the phone. Its such an innocent device but somehow seems to be so frightening to me, I can't understand why.
It sounds to me that you were exactly what your friend needed to hear. A voice that brings her back to happy times, amazing memories I'm sure and sometimes we need that. To step out of our day to day life and get brought back to a place that holds no stress.
You're amazing Angie, completely amazing!
xoxo
Katie
I always love it when I find things I thought were gone forever!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it feel good when you listen to that tap on your shoulder and do something you might not otherwise have done!
I hate the phone too!
I love your gifts recently! There so awesome!
ReplyDeleteKatie: The hat was one of my favorite go-to hats when I am having a bad hair day! I had totally forgotten that I put it in a beach bag and tossed it in the trunk of my car weeks ago...so when I found it a few days ago I was overjoyed!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your thoughtful comment(s); you have no idea how much I love seeing your name pop up in my email inbox!
gabe: I am learning to trust my instincts more these days, and appreciating how they always lead to happy end results!
Ha! Yet another person who understands my aversion to the phone!
Mallori: Hey sweets! Thanks for reading along!