What Angel Will Appear When You Need It?
Posted by Dr. Judy at 7:59 am
©2010 Dr. Judy Krings
Some of you know I had an unexpectedly long visit with my mom after ER and hospital experiences that left a whole lot to be desired. She is now safely in a rehab nursing home learning to adapt and to tolerate pain. She is game to learn to use her walker again. No one can stop this farm girl born in Girdletree, Maryland almost 92 years ago. She is plucky tenacity in a teeny little bruised body.
Positive psychology coaching taught me to set my radar for any curious, playful nuance. Look for the good. While Mom was at PT, I noticed this big sweetie pie-of-a-guy sitting in a wheelchair. A double amputee. “Vietnam?” I asked. “Nope, diabetes,” he chortled in a no-nonsense take, drill sergeant, take-charge clip. I asked him what he did in the world. A retired PA cop. I loved his positivity. We chatted for a moment, and I sucked up his wisdom and courage. Later he told me he lives alone and was getting his ranch home re-modeled to welcome a wheelchair. He will go home soon and had 2.5 months in rehab.
The next day I went into his room. I told him I’d be returning home. He generously told me he would gladly look after Mom. The next day, I opened Mom’s door before breakfast, and the first thing she excitedly reported was Frank’s visit. He gifted her with magazines and a super compassionate visit. He and I had a couple more visits which lifted my spirits as much as Mom’s.
Whose day can you make today?
How can your reach into your kindness reserves and surprise someone with fun?
Maybe a simple smile, hug, or thumbs up would rock their world.
Be like Frank. He may not have legs, but he has a heart full of gold and angel wings wider than a C-5 Air Force transport plane. Funny how there are so many ways to fly.
