I ran over to my neighbor’s house to take them some turkey dinner. Several of our neighbors are at the age when cooking is a real chore due to their physical limitations. After cooking for a large family for so many years, I tend to cook a lot more than our family can consume, so consequently there’s often plenty to share. They always appreciate anything homemade since they rely on inexpensive fast food for many of their meals.

When I dropped off the meal, I noticed my neighbor was about to light up a cigarette out back in her garage. Her hubby was napping and she seemed to need some company. I told her I’d be right back to visit with her while she smoked and I ran home quick to grab a cup of coffee and a cookie to sip and munch while we chatted. (On this particular occasion, in my heart of hearts I was hoping to glean some wisdom from this ol’ gal who’s lived about 40 years longer than I have!)

The economic crisis was the launching point of our conversation, and from there she began to share all sorts of things with me. I listened intently as she reviewed her and her husband’s work history with me. I didn’t realize how many trials they’d encountered. Funny how we perceive things to be about other folks, before we know the facts.

She told me of the bad luck they’d had due to her husband’s retirement being, in essence, ’stolen’ by a large company before legal regulations had been implemented to secure promised benefits for long-term employees. His monthly draw is a pittance.

Then she went on rehearsing the pain she’d felt when the same thing happened to her at the end of her career so many years ago. She said that with the current economy, their meager investments yield so little, she’s not sure they’ll have enough to even pay their taxes this year. She expressed her fear of being dropped by her insurance plan.

She shared how a particular relocation hadn’t turned out so happy. She mentioned how most of her friends are all deceased or long-distance. Sigh. She poured out her heart as she spoke of her grown daughter’s divorce, serious health issues, lack of medical benefits and loneliness. Wow. So many burdens on this woman’s shoulders. So many disappointments. I listened intently, with compassion, and felt her pain as she spoke. We always end up talking about God and prayer during our visits.

I finally ran out of time and had to get home to prepare dinner for my family. I gave her a hug and turned to go. She had one last comment.

“Denise, you know you’ve gained some weight.”

UGH. I suddenly remembered the cookie I had just consumed. Gol’ dang, why did I eat that thing?!! While I nibbled she was thinking, “Denise is getting chunky.”

“Um, yes, Betty Ann, I told you I had,” I said as I sprinted out the door – (gee thanks, I feel so much better. Did I really need to hear you say that? I think it’s hot in here. Well happy new year to me. I am feelin’ the love…)

Life sure does keep us humble.