| http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/daily-prompt-proud/ |
When was the last time someone told you they were proud of you?
As many of you know, 8 months ago my dad passed away. I am the executor so I’ve had a lot of responsibility on my plate and it’s been hard. Have you lost a loved one? Have you ever been an executor or POA? It’s hard. It’s a lot of work in addition to simply mourning the loss of your loved one. In fact, I took on closing Dad’s business as well which has been a huge undertaking and an adventure. I simply wasn’t prepared for it all ~ but let’s face it, are any of us prepared?
Today I had to work on some paperwork of Dad’s which was really complicated. I ended up having to make 3 phone calls to 3 separate people to get some paperwork fixed which is still in progress, but while in the midst of the mess, my frustration levels rose and I began crying on the phone with the customer service representatives on the other end. In all honesty, I just broke down sobbing while on the phone with them. It was embarrassing to say the least as I thought I was doing so well with the whole thing. I guess I’m a work in progress. The lovely point of this story is that 3 strangers comforted me in a way that helped me to move on and they didn’t have to be so nice and I am so grateful.
You know what they did? They just listened for a moment ~ they said they understood. They took a moment of their time to virtually hug me by their kindness, their infinite patience and by their kind words which were,
“It’s ok, I can help you. You are doing great.
You should be proud of yourself as you’re doing a good job.
It’s not easy, but together we can make it work.
I’m sorry you are going through this difficult time.”
And that’s all I ever needed…It was such a healing moment and it helped me become unstuck and continue to flow again! I just needed someone to realize how hard I’m trying to hold it all together, how hard I’m working to be strong for our family and how much I am putting my heart and soul into trying to make it easier for everyone, including me. So to Byron, Christine and Veronica, even though it’s a very slim chance you’ll ever read this, I thank you all. You helped a stranger heal her heart a bit. It’s a kindness for which I am ever grateful. Thanks for being you!
So to all of you, whatever your situation…
I’m proud of you!
Shine On!
xo
Misifusa's Blog 
Pingback: Daily Prompt – Proud – Poem / Poetry – A Double Edged Sword | toofulltowrite (I've started so I'll finish)
This post made me cry. I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. What you are having to do is so difficult. It’s one of those things that is hard for people to understand if they’ve never had to do it. I am so thankful you had some very compassionate people to deal with on the phone today. Don’t be embarrassed by your tears. You are only human and you are grieving.
Thanks for understanding Gail. I’m better now, but I thought it was so ironic that a stranger said I should be proud of myself ~ and how I felt a healing when she said it. Then the daily prompt was about being told someone was proud of you! I felt like I had to share! Hugs to you my friend. xo
When you cry, I cry. You are such an inspiration and you lift the spirits of so many that it really moves me whenever you are sad. I’m just so happy you were sent you those compassionate people to hold your hand today. Our angel needed her angels!
Thanks Bobbi ~ I shared because I think that we all feel that sense of sadness and frustration at times and it was so amazing to have strangers reach out to comfort me. The best was that their kindness meant the world to me at that time and they were just being themselves. Imagine if we all did that! xo
I’m proud of you too! I’ve been trustee/executrix for my mom, my aunt and cousin, and it’s a tough job, so I know what you had to deal with. My dad was an atty so I had a bit of knowledge about the way things work, it’s even more difficult if the legal world is an unknown! I think for the most part people will be nice if you give them a chance, and who wouldn’t be nice to you???? If you have any questions that I might be able to answer for you cos I’ve been there, please email me and I’ll try to help if I can.
PR (Princess Rosebud) you are so sweet. Thank you! I will reach out if I need help in the future! I can’t believe you’ve done 3! Wow…my hats off to you my friend! xo
I’m proud of you! Take this experience day by day.
Thank you ~ I’m trying! 🙂
I think it’s great that you cried and were able to be vulnerable, and even more wonderful that this was met with sensitivity and compassion. Thinking of you at this hard time, and sending love xx
Thank you ~ I’m much better now. I think I just had to release it so that I could move again and go with the flow. xo
You are a beautiful person who shines through even though you have so much on your plate. I am proud of you and also proud to know you here on blogs…
*Big hug*
You are so sweet ~ I am so glad we are connected ~ I am proud of you too! xoxo
Thank you 🙂 I am too.
We travel through life, occasionally finding a shoulder to lean/cry on..these make make up for the other times….
I’m so grateful that they were there for me ~ just like I want to be there for others!
God bless them & people in this world like them.
It’s hard to lose someone. And – then to take care of matters related to the loss I’m sure adds to the grieving process & emotions. One day at a time…
{Hugs}
Thank you RoSy…it just got to me at that moment ~ because it is a lot all at once, but like the tide, it ebbs and flows so usually I can handle it. Baby steps, that’s how I do it! Hugs to you too xo
Thank you for sharing this powerful post and beautiful example of vulnerability creating opportunity for connectedness. You gave a gift to them, the opportunity to show kindness and compassion to another human being. And all three gloriously rose to the occasion. I’m sorry that you are going through such painful and challenging times. Please take care of yourself as you take care of all of this. I like having you in life.
Russ
Oh Russ, you are a joy to know! Thank you for your kind comment and I love how you changed the way I looked at the situation! You are so remarkable! I like having you in my life as well! xo
Crying will come when you least expect it, I am thankful you had compassionate and caring people to help you through it. God takes care of us even with strangers. I had something similar happen and the special person who was working customer service stayed on the line with me and eventually I learned she was a Christian, we both praised God for having her be the one who answered my call. In your grief I hope it brings comfort to you knowing that you have been kissed by God! Hugs – Patty
Patty, I am so glad you had someone special to comfort you too! It’s amazing how we connect with strangers at the most unusual times. Kissed by God ~ what a lovely thought! Thanks for sharing! xo
I was always told crying is a weakness, but I’m relearning that crying is actually very healing.
You are doing a good job; it can’t be easy mourning while being a POA. What a gift to have those people acknowledge your work and your struggles. So many people in custormer service are so frazzled themselves they are unable to be patient with someone in your situation.
Thank you ~ I was so grateful for their compassion and kindness. It was even healing to be understood by a stranger. xo
Such a wonderful story… Honestly, how do we know the kindness of others until we reach out?
Exactly! And I simply fell apart and they just picked me up and helped me! Truly I was blessed!
I am very proud of you! Keep on shining dear! 🙂
Thank you! xo
I can feel your pain but life must go on. When my dad died several years ago, we are all so emotional but that’s life. I.’m proud of myself that when he was still alive, we showed him our love to save his life but only God can do that. We have to accept what His decision.
I agree with you. I am sorry that your Dad passed away. Sending big hugs to you! ♥