The Healing Journey

November 5, 2023

Before Mike went to bed, he decided to check his email one more time. It had been a long day — arguments with his daughter, a missed deadline on an assignment, an emergency visit to the vet, an expired car insurance policy and an appointment to have the furnace cleaned. Just as he was about to lay his head on the pillow, he saw an email from his friend Jane.

He had completely forgotten that the first thing he did in that long day was send her a “Thinking of you” ecard. She had lost her son seven years ago. Most of the time, on those occasions, he didn’t really know what to say other than, “Hang in there. I’m sure it’s a tough day for you.” He wanted to say, “You’re in my thoughts and prayers,” which was very true, but the culture wars had turned that phrase into a political football, so he wrote, “I remembered you in my rosary.”

And then, she told him how her day went …..

“Hope all is well.  Thank you so much for the nice card.  You are a thoughtful and kind friend. Yes, it was a tough day. Seven years ago doesn’t seem possible.”

“I kept busy today to keep my mind off things somewhat. Took a walk, went to church, (lit a candle). I went to the movies. It was cool and there were nice recliner seats and a senior discount! Life is good lol.  God bless you, you are in my prayers also, thanks for the prayers as well. I am blessed to call you my friend.”

It had been a hard day for her. He realized that out of everything he had done, the card was the most important.

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