By: Jeff Rasley
“Connect with someone you know who is lonely and will be touched by your simple act of kindness.”
We might not have said it exactly like that, but that was the theme that developed in the conversation between Randi Bowslaugh and me on her Write or Die Show podcast. Our conversation started with me telling Randi about my recent hip surgery and how being stuck at home for several weeks of post-op rehabilitation was a lonely and depressing experience. I was unable to do many of my favorite activities, because they involve vigorous physical activity and some are necessarily outdoors– skiing, skating, biking, kayaking, swimming, and pickleball.
And I was cut off from my normal social and community activities and events because of my immobility.
On top of that, I had to deal with chronic pain. On the other hand, the experience of immobility and isolation made me really appreciate my wife’s loving willingness to do her best to help with my rehab. She had to do all the household chores I normally do in addition to hers, and she had to do all the shopping and driving. It also made me appreciate the friends, who called and emailed wishes for my recovery, and especially the ones that paid me a visit. Although, it was only a few weeks of semi-isolation, getting to spend some time in the actual presence of a visiting friend dramatically lifted my spirit. Knowing that a friend, or my son James, was coming over for a visit and coffee or tea gave me something to look forward to. My mood always picked up and my situation didn’t seem so depressing. It even felt like the pain in my leg lessened, when someone paid me a visit.
My lonely situation was short-term, and I wasn’t alone because my wife Alicia was here with me. Poppy Cat did her part to entertain me by acting like a little fruitcake and occasionally cuddling next to me in bed or on my easy chair.
The experts tell us that there is an epidemic of loneliness in the US and in other economically developed countries. While policy-makers struggle to deal with this (one more!) crisis, those of us who can, should make the effort to reach out to anyone we know who might be feeling down and alone for whatever reason. That offer of care and concern will have an effect. It’s like being environmentally responsible. Our individual efforts will not wholly heal the suffering of our damaged planet Earth’s environment, but we can each make some difference.
So, reach out, and be a responsible and caring friend, neighbor, or family member. Don’t just love the one you’re with. Offer love to those you know who need it.
Jeff Rasley is an author and president of the Basa Village Foundation and of the Scientech Foundation of Indiana. His latest book is A Hitchhiker’s Big Adventure: On the road from Indiana to Key West and New Orleans for Mardi Gras 1972. It is available on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3VzioTW (affiliate link). For more information about, and to contact, Jeff, his website is http://jeffreyrasley.com.
