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Sunday, June 26, 2016

What can we do?

My lovely friend Tami, who is truly the most generous and giving person I have ever known, has had more than her fair share of shitty things happen in her life.
Lots of her own health issues. In fact, it's I think three weeks tomorrow since she had knee surgery. I know firsthand how much fun that isn't. Three weeks isn't long enough to really be recovered, trust me on this.

Is she home, relaxing and taking care of herself? No.
No, she is currently staying at the hospital on a cot in her husband's room.

Joseph, Mr. Healthy Food/take care of yourself, had a stroke this week.
He is in very good health. None of the usual suspects. It just... happened.

I'm not sharing any details, because it's not my story and I'm not trying to put personal information out there.

There isn't anything I can do to fix it.
I don't believe in a god, so prayer is a useless thing as far as I'm concerned.
I can offer to drive them places. I can make some dinners. I can offer moral support.

Tami posted what had happened on Facebook. She shares small updates from time to time. In answer to one of her posts, a FB friend tagged a mutual friend who has a food service business and that friend remarked about cooking for them at a discount. Something about how she'd match half price or something. I was so pissed off that I couldn't go back and re-read it.

I refrained from making any remarks on Tami's FB page.

I would have said something like, "Someone's family crisis should not be considered a business opportunity for you. You are crass and lack empathy. Shame on you."

I was really unreasonably angry about it (I ranted about it approximately 47 times in the 24 hours or so after I read it) so it's probably good that I didn't say anything. Facebook isn't a good place to do that anyway. Although when I shared it with Eric, his response was quite, er, colorful. Apparently I'm not the only person who found it offensive.

I realize that there are some people who don't cook. Or would want to send a meal but can't afford to send meals at full price. I get that. It just felt wrong to me then and still does now. I felt defensive for my friend. In the general scheme of things, it's actually a fairly minor thing, that 'I will do meals for half price'.

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Edited to add... those ought to be some damn good meals, as its EIGHTY DOLLARS for ONE MEAL for a family of four.
I take it back. It's not a minor thing. It's insulting and if the person really gave a shit, she would sign up and make a meal. It's not that difficult.
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I think the real source of my anger isn't someone who's oblivious to the idea of compassion anyway. I'm angry because it's a crappy thing to happen to anyone, but it seems much worse to me because these are the nicest people I know. They reach out to other people and do things for them all the time. They care. They are truly generous and kind and giving. And this is what they get in return?

So I sit here on this Sunday morning, wishing I could fix things. Of course there is no way for me to do that. I can only love my friends and hope that Joseph makes a full recovery. From what I hear, he's determined to do so and has already started working hard at it.

I can cook a few dinners.
I can drive.
I have a couple other ideas to at least make them smile during this tough time.

But you know, it's not fair. It just isn't.

5 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear about Tami and Joseph. I agree that the offer to cook for any price is deplorable. If you can't offer something helpful and out of compassion, just send them some good thoughts for crying out loud!

    I will be sending my good thoughts! (and yes, I will add them to my prayers)

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    1. Thank you. I have no issue with people praying. That works for them. And positive thoughts aren't harmful, at least as far as I've been able to determine.

      I'm trying to figure out at least two more times to fit in a meal before I have surgery (scheduler is supposed to call me today) because after surgery I can't drive and probably won't be on my feet much for awhile. Cooking will be difficult.

      I'm working on a care package, too. For Joseph while he's in rehab. Have a few fun things planned for that.

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  2. :-( So sorry to hear about Joseph's stroke, and I certainly hope he experiences a full recovery. As deplorable as the "1/2 price meal" offer ~ I'm not surprised because FB is less and less about staying in touch and sharing photos, and more and more an avenue for people to promote their business.

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    Replies
    1. I still am stunned. I would think rudimentary good manners would preclude a person from such an odd 'offer'. I am hopeful that no one will take advantage of that whole half price thing. Blech.

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  3. Oh my goodness. I'm not sure if I'm sad or happy that I clicked over here to comment and saw the 'edit' that wasn't on my feedly to begin with. That's disturbing. Really.

    I will be thinking of all of you all as well. Take care of all of your various injuries.

    ReplyDelete

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