It is amazing how much the last couple of weeks has changed my perspectives on things and made me realize how rich I am in friends and how much we depend on them in times of need. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude toward my fellow (wo)man. I am so thankful for the 76 e-mail messages in my inbox from people all over the world who are worried about me and have offered to help in whatever way they can. I am extremely grateful to the people of Baltimore who have made me feel so welcome in their city and have offered me discounts and devoted extra attention to my needs — like the manager at Cingular who I almost hugged yesterday after nearly breaking down in his store. (I had that squeezy feeling in my throat, and tears wanted to spring out, you know?) He changed my cel phone number for me and even helped credit some money back to my account. Or the stylist who made me a cup of hot tea and gave me a major discount on my haircut. Everyone I’ve met here so far is so kind and extraordinarily generous.
After I posted to the local craigslist about my winter clothing needs, I received a barrage of e-mails from Baltimoreans who want to give me tables and chairs, dishes, blankets, toiletries and everything else under the sun. Two of them have even invited me over to their house for a home-cooked meal, though they’ve never met me. I had to remove the posting, just so the e-mails would stop!
Today Carly and I drove over to her friends’ house to pick up a dresser and some clothes they wanted to give me. I felt so strange for taking their things, but I realize that by doing so I’m also helping them, in a way. Almost everyone wants to help us ‘displaced persons’, but they have no idea how. If you can give them a way to help, they’re also grateful to you. It works both ways.
This weekend is devoted to getting exercise (the best and cheapest way I know how to clear my mind and relieve the incapacitating tension that builds up in my shoulders) and resting. I’ll even try to do some homework if I can.
Thank you to everyone. Enjoy your weekend.
