I have a ‘Notes’ section in my phone called ‘Blog Ideas’, and whenever an idea strikes me I try to jot it down for easy access when I’ve got time to write.  The first entry under ‘Blog Ideas’ says ‘you never know what someone is going through.’

Now isn’t that the truth?

I jotted that sentence down more than two years ago and have yet to write about it….. but now’s the time.  The event that brought this thought to mind initially was the tragic passing of my neighbor.  A father of two teenagers, he was in his early 50s when he died.  These neighbors are private people, and we had only lived in the neighborhood for a year, so we didn’t know them well enough to know that they were enduring a lengthy battle with illness.  It was his teenaged son who came to share the news of his death and it came as a shock.  He didn’t look sick, they didn’t act like he was sick, but he was sick.  Very, very sick.  So, it’s true, you never know what someone is going through.

I’ve certainly learned this through my work.  My treatment rooms are often a place where people feel comfortable enough to divulge their secrets, share their troubles, discuss their burdens.  In a place of confidentiality and comfort, their physical complaints are often exacerbated by the stressors that lie underneath the surface.  I am happy that they share with me, I’m happy to listen, I’m happy to try and help.  In fact, I wish there was more I could do.  I’m a sensitive soul, and emotion rolls through me like tidal waves crashing into the shore.  You may be surprised to hear that, as I usually present an even-keel disposition to the world.  But the real me is sensitive, emotional, and yes, dramatic.

Author Regina Brett wrote: “If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.”  I have many friends fighting many tough battles right now.  If you’re reading this and think I may be referring to you, you’re right.  You’re right too.  And you and you and you.

So, please: be kind, always.