H-Hand
E-extended.
L-Love
P- presented!
When I was about 13, I loved the Beatles’ song “Help!” which was Number 1 for three weeks in 1965. I remember tears streaming down my cheeks as it played over a loud speaker at a beach by a lake where my family had stopped to camp. As I stood there alone, listening to the intensity of that song echoing off the pines, watching the fun-loving crowd of teenagers, I felt the dejection, the ache to belong, the wish to be loved by “somebody, not just anybody.” But I wouldn’t meet my somebody for another eight years.
Since, I’ve related to the “Help!” lyrics in different ways. I’ve felt “insecure” about the future, especially when we had to move off the farm, during Covid, and now with uncertainty filling the air like toxic fumes. I’m also realizing that as body parts age self-assurance declines. “Independence” really does “vanish in the haze,” or so it seems. Especially with my dumb bum knee reminding me daily that it’s in charge. Believe me, I can’t wait to have it replaced so I can “get my feet back on the ground” again.
But I’m also learning to “open up the door” and to ask for help. For one, instead of expecting a certain someone to check on me and feeling hurt and resentful when he doesn’t, I’ve had to admit I cannot be all and do all. I’ve had to nix the pride and speak up (and possibly remind and insist) if I want something. Moral of the story? We can’t expect others to recognize our need if we pretend we don’t have one.
Being open to options is helpful, too. For example, I’ve been trying to find my other slipper for the last two weeks. I knew it had to be under the bed or nearby but neither Floyd nor I could get down there (and back up again) to check. But, when Carter, our youngest grandson, came to visit this week, I asked him to look and whallah! It wasn’t under the bed but under the cabinet next to it. I was glad to have my slipper back and Carter was one proud super hero for saving the day!
My conclusion? I’m used to helping, not being help. But it’s never too late to learn.
Hugs,
Dale
Freebies!
Keep those comments coming! If you submit one to any post from now until the end of November, I will put your name in the hotdog hat for one of two prizes. Multiple comments means multiple chances! The first prize will be another dachshund book mark and the other I’ll announce in my newsletter the day after Thanksgiving. I’m interviewing someone perfect for the holiday and I can’t wait to reveal who!
Featured Artist
This week’s work is by Carter, our youngest grandson. From top left to bottom right, this picture depicts Carter, Grandma Dale, Grandpa Floyd, and the doctor, which is a pretty good description of our family these days.
Calling all proud parents and grandparents! If you have artwork from your children, grandchildren, or pets you’d like to share, here’s the place to do it. Just email or text me the pictures, tell me the artist’s first name and a little about their picture if they want to share and I’ll post it.
What in the World?
Instead of a “Where in the World?” I bring you “What in the World?” in honor of this being “Bringing in the Plants” week at the Bryan homestead. Meet my octopus, Aloe Vera.