The other day we went to Sam’s high school holiday concert. Sam plays the double bass, sometimes called the bass fiddle. He wore a tuxedo with a cockeyed bowtie and did very well, even if he might have been somewhat uncomfortable. Best part was when he grinned and waved at the sweet girl he likes a lot in the fourth row who had come down to the school in the evening just to see him play.
Before we sat down to watch and listen, Linda and Moll and I had dinner near the school, and Moll talked the entire time. Did you know 12-year-old girls like to talk? I love every syllable.
But…during the time at Sam’s school, I had to use the men’s room. And there was a man helping his disabled friend pee. He was holding his friend up, with his friend’s pants down, and he was talking to his friend the whole time. Didn’t matter that there were adults and kids going in and out, some staring, some rushing past. This man was focused on his buddy to make sure he could do what he needed and could hear him talking. There was a sense of, “This is what we do because we’re friends,” to all of it.
I was grumpy for a lot of reasons when we got to the school that evening. That cured it.
Things have been crazy in this country, no matter where you are or whose political party you believe in. Let’s try to keep calm and have a few laughs along the way.
And help your friends, especially when they need it most and when it may be very tough for you.
Happy holidays to all of you!
~ Mike
deb says
Yep, you’re exactly right! Thanks for the post…
Marianne says
Thanks, Mike. I am lucky to have good friends, and I wish everyone had someone to pick them up when they need it the most.
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
Great post and a great reminder!
Sandra @Beneath this Roof, Within these Walls says
Mike, I love this post!! You are a sweet, sweet man, and blessed are those who are so fortunate as to have you in their lives.
Jeannie-JB says
Just stopped by to say Merry Christmas to those whose blogs I read all the time and found this lovely lovely story. Thank you for that. God Bless You and Yours!
rita@thissortaoldlife says
Yes. Just, yes.
Debbie says
So sweet. Thanks for sharing that!
Debbie
Bliss says
Well that post sure didn’t go where I thought it was going too, but then again, I’m glad it went where those guys hoped it would go.
Bliss
Kimberly Bruhn says
Thanks for the reminder. Merry Christmas to your family!
Marita Poll Images says
I LIKE mike! Great post-
Peggy says
Mike, dang nabbit, you made me cry… Merry Christmas! (it was a good cry.. yeah know, kinda like the Hallmark Christmas commercials… sorry but I’m sure Linda understands!)
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
“did you know 12 year old girls like to talk” LOL hahaha
a few years ago a friend of mine fell while running to catch the bus in NYC and broke both of her wrists … you can imagine all of the things her husband and friends helped her with at that time, it does just teach us a new normal.
here’s wishing good will to all and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
Susan says
Thank you for a terrific reminder of what’s real in life.
Mike says
What a nice thing to say! Thank you!
Larissa @ House on Harrison says
What a touching post… It also reminded me to cherish the moments we have with our kids. My 10-year-old can talk my ear off, and I often find myself tuning her out. I wonder if I will miss those moments when she’s all grown up. I should appreciate them now.
My son also plays the double bass. Isn’t it the most fabulous instrument ever? I adore it.