Today I visited my buddy. She invited me to lunch and it was her husband's birthday (he's also my buddy) It was my last visit for a few weeks since we are travelling to Israel on Monday.
Every week we call their family in Israel and when we are there we will be visiting them. So today was "paparazzi" day. We took tons of pictures to give their family. We'll also take photos there to bring back. So very soon I will be part of an extended buddy family.
I will have another buddy to visit when I return so I will be going twice a week. I am looking very forward to making that connection too.
I love the opportunity to spend time with my buddies. They have so much to give us. I am fascinated to hear their stories. Some are sad and some are not. Stories are important to the storyteller and a privilege to the listener.
During one of my visits a friend of my buddy came to visit. We were speaking about different things and she remarked "Ach, I am finished, there is nothing for me to do here in life anymore". A bit later I asked her about her life in her country. She told me some stories and I told her about my grandmother's experiences in that same country.
I noticed that before she left to go back to her own room she sat up a little taller in her wheelchair and kissed me European style on both cheeks and gave me a loving hug.
I realized that when we listen to people tell the stories that make up their life to a listener that is really hearing their story, something almost magical happens to both.
The SOS program has been one of the biggest gifts I have received. Thank you SOS.
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1 comment:
Paula, just wondering how you are doing? How was your trip?
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