I have had lessons in humility these last several weeks. Understanding that I cannot do it alone, is a big step for me. And right behind that is the realization that asking for help is okay.
I tend to be independent and a do-it-your-selfer.
However, four weeks ago I had total knee replacement surgery, and I have needed to rely on others to drive me to where I needed to go. I have needed help lifting and moving things. There have been lots of things I have wanted to do, but I have been unable to complete. I have very heavily relied on my friends and family.
While each day is an improvement, and I know that it is only a matter of time before I will be back to my post-op status, (actually, hopefully better than that, which was the purpose of the surgery), I have also realized that this has been a gift in the sense that it is a glimpse into the future.
We all, if we are blessed enough to live long lives, reach a point where we need to ask for more assistance with day-to-day tasks.
I remember when my in-laws reached the point where we needed to help them prepare their home for our Florida storms and hurricanes., or when my mother-in-law had reached the point where she needed assistance with her weekly grocery shopping.
I also know how frustrating it is when an older family member needs assistance and is hesitant to ask for it. When my 87-year-old dad asks to borrow our large ladder, I know it is time to force our help on him. Which in itself, can be stressful.
These thoughts were rattling around in my head this week as we asked my daughter and son-in-law to stop over so they could help us get the boxes of Christmas decorations up into the attic. It is a two-person job and I was simply not able to help. It literally took them 15 minutes. While I felt badly interfering with their day for 15 minutes of assistance, they assured us they were happy to do it. Just as we were happy to help my in-laws, and are currently happy to help out dad.
So as we move into the second week of the new year, one of my resolutions for 2024 is going to be to not hesitate to ask for assistance when I need it, and to graciously give it to others whenever I can!
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