Wednesday, February 6, 2013Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2003. This was Mattie's first trip to Los Angeles, and on a plane. Mattie was 11 months old and I had to go to a conference in Anaheim, CA. I was very apprehensive traveling with Mattie and if it weren't for the conference I am not sure I would have gotten up the courage to do this trip. Fortunately Mattie traveled better than I do. He never slept a wink, but he wasn't agitated, scared, or edgy by motion. It is funny, as Mattie got older, he would be holding my hand on the plane, NOT for his own comfort, but to offer me support. It was very cute! Any case, I love this photo because while we were touring around Huntington Gardens (one of my favorite gardens in LA), Mattie came across this piece of bamboo. Neither Peter or Mattie knew I snapped a picture of them, but I captured them both staring and examining something. Like father, like son!
Quote of the day: Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~ Leo Buscaglia
I had the opportunity today to listen to someone's life story for two hours. This wasn't in a professional capacity, nor was it planned that we were going to end up chatting. It just kind of happened and when I sense someone needs to talk, I always make the time to listen. Peter jokes with me often, because he doesn't know how I have the where with all, energy, or desire to listen to people's problems. As I say all the time, we all have our own talents, skills, and abilities. I am not as taken by this skill as others maybe, but I am more impressed by the fact that so many people in my life feel comfortable talking with me. About ALL sorts of problems and issues! I have come to the conclusion that since Mattie died, people feel even more comfortable approaching me with issues, concerns, and problems because they assume that on some level I will relate to, understand, or most of all not judge them for having certain feelings or thoughts. That to me is the highest compliment someone can give me, and I am honored to be trusted.
As this woman was talking with me today, I couldn't help but reflect on her comments and see how there are similarities between us. Mind you we weren't talking about death or grief. The irony is I find listening to people's life stories therapeutic, because in their messages, lessons, heartbreaks, and joys, I find meaning and I learn something about myself. Whether that be I am not alone in my own feelings or frustrations or that I actually find new ways of looking at a problem.
At the heart of the matter though is we sometimes fear that we are not like others or that others won't understand us. These two realities can be hard to grapple with at times and they can even make us feel very isolated and different. I can understand these fears on a profound level and some days when you analyze these fears too deeply you can feel like you are actually unstable. As we talked about these feelings and thoughts today, I could see that the fact that I understood her, that I could share aspects from my own world with her, made her see that sometimes being different is not only okay, it can be a good thing. As Buscaglia's points out in his quote, to be listened to and cared for are powers that can TURN A LIFE AROUND!
1 comment:
Thank you so much for sharing Mattie's life. Your blog is a beautiful testament to your sweet boy and a helpful resource for families on a similar path.
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