Day 2..Giving reminds us of what we really have..

After a day of struggling with pain, frustrations and kind of wishing my life would get better...ouch..honest much....yes maybe just a little self pitty there..and definitely not thinking about giving of any kind it happened all by itself... The phone call from a long time friend..The kind of friend who you speak to only a few times a year, 1500 miles apart and have seen once in 19 years but friends for 32 years. She needed someone to listen, someone to talk to, one who would understand the disappointments and emotional hurts in her life. Estranged relationships with siblings as well as the adult children of her spouse, lack of friends in her hometown, and searching for something to connect with others...All I could give with a loving and listening ear....We talked for over an hour...a very long time for me..I am NOT a phone talker but it came easy for me. She knows of my problems, losses and difficulties and it was very sad for me to her how she envied me for what I did have...wonderful daughters, parents, family & friends are my blessings and greatest gifts in my life- I know it and am grateful for that everyday...My gift of friendship and time seemed to help as the conversation had turned positive, jokes were included as well as talk about someday me being able to visit her...Last night my gift was something free yet so valuable to most of us since we do not ready give nor receive it in this hectic world...undivided time & attention to a friend.