I did what I could...

Why do I always want to start my blog with "Okay, where do I start?!" But that is exactly how I feel today. Ray and I had a very normal, relaxing day Saturday planned. The only things we had to do/wanted to do was take our cat, Yoshi, to the vet at 8:30am, pickup a few groceries at the store on the way home, and then get together with our friends, Harlan & Rita, tonight. The vet prescribed Yoshi a diet change as the first attempt to correct his bladder and bowel issues. We stopped by Albertson's and came back hom. A few minutes after we got back, our phone rang. It was an old friend of mine I had not talked to in a few years. I think about them often and just knew that the reason why they haven't called is because they've been busy, as I have. Come to find out, they were in Dallas and needed help. Of course, I told them I would help any way I could. They needed a friend, someone that would listen, and a ride to the airport. I could tell by talking to them that they were very troubled, but I had no idea what I would be faced with. I cannot and will not say who this friend is or any other specific details. But let's just say that they were VERY troubled. As we talked, they worked on getting more intoxicated. I did the best I could. I sat. I listened. I talked. I encouraged. I smiled. I hugged. I loved. But even though I did all those things, it is realistic to say that I might not have made enough of a difference. This friend has struggled a good bit throughout their life, but I haven't ever seen them like this. It was completely and utterly heartbreaking. I felt helpless, that I had no tools. It was just me. Their flight time only allowed us to visit for about an hour, which wasn't enough time. But honestly, I don't know if 5 hours would've been enough time. I have known this person all my life and have always cared deeply for them, but we have gotten very close in recent years. We have become friends that share a lot of laughter, understand each other, and help each other. As a matter of fact, we are so close that I can tell them something that another has always told them but they will listen to me - and vice versa. Anyway, as you can imagine, it isn't easy listening to or talking to someone who is drunk. Since they weren't very clear, I had to piece together a lot of what they were saying. But the funny and awesome thing is that at one point, I saw that TRUE person. For that moment, it was as if they were sober. After hanging their head for a few seconds, they picked it up, said "I think everything is gonna be alright. I mean, it has to be. I think everything is gonna be alright. Don't you?" and put their head back down. I said, "Yes, I don't THINK, I KNOW." They looked up and stared right into my eyes. (And what happened next was like a scene from a movie). I said, "I am 100% confident that everything will be alright...110%!" My friend got teary eyed and gave me the most beautiful smile. :) All the way to the airport, they kept apologizing to me for asking for help, etc. Over and over, I told them it was not a bit of trouble. As I told them, it was definitely a surprise that they called me out of the blue. But it was a great surprise. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday. Of course, I would've had been with my friend in tip top shape, but they weren't in that form today. And we all have days when we aren't in our usual form. When we got to the airport, my friend only knew their airline - no gate # or anything. I walked them as far as I could and then said goodbye. I assume they made it on their flight okay. I drove away from the airport feeling empty but full too. It was strange. My friend is like a lost sheep...and the pasture they are roaming in definitely isn't green. Everyone has serious troubles from time to time, but my friend has more needs than anyone I know right now. My dear friend needs many thoughts, lots of prayers, and a ton of well wishes. When you have a few minutes, please do whatever it is you do (prayer, good thoughts, etc) for them. Both my friend and I greatly appreciate it.

Love,

~"Tish"