“What three things would you attribute to their longevity?”, quizzed a lawyer friend as I was sharing about my latest venture to Sardinia, Italy’s Blue Zones.
In response, I listed: how they nourish their bodies- beverages included; their activity level; and their connections- family & friends including their church & community…
This third dimension reminded me of when I recently discovered my name in the church bulletin’s Weekly Prayer Focus: Family & Friends section- “Relief and gratitude that Mary Rehn was not injured last week when a tire struck her car while driving on Highway 224.”
It happened so suddenly- I was just driving down the road when the approaching car’s front tire fell off & hit me. It was nice to have people stop to make sure I was ok as well as to call 911. The police arrived shortly and one of their questions was, “Do you have someone who can pick you up?” My mind was in a bit of a blur as I was “shocked” by what had happened so I applied the “one call does it all” principle & called the church. Within minutes the church secretary greeted me with a reassuring hug. She gave me a ride to where I was pet sitting in Jeremy Ranch. Soon I realized that she had taken the time to contact some other folks on my behalf.
After a warm welcome from the dogs, I noticed I had a text from Michelle saying that she was heading over to check on me & see if she could assist in any fashion. Shortly, she was at the door with a comforting embrace and a goodie bag…
By then, I was dealing with the insurance people regarding a car rental that I needed to pick up or they could pick me up although it was approaching closing time. Before I had a chance to process this dilemma, Michelle offered to take me into town to retrieve the rental car.
I also heard from the people I was dog sitting for assuring me that they could get neighbors to fill in if I needed to leave. Plus, they graciously offered their extra car so I could have wheels.
Fast forward to church on Sunday where I had lots of friends & other casual acquaintances approach me with hugs & offers for assistance if I needed. This was all due to the fact that the church secretary had included my scenario in the bulletin.
Last, but not least in response to the email I sent to them, I heard from my 6 sisters, my mother, and my 2 sons. Even though they’re all at distance it was comforting to have them all call to check on my well-being knowing that they would come if I had needed.
The accident was definitely unfortunate; however, it confirmed how fortunate I am. My hope is that you are blessed with such a supportive network. I also hope you don’t have too many challenges that trigger this caring response.