Everyone is Fighting a Hard Battle

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" - Plato

I always believed in this saying and I try to be kind and compassionate towards people on a daily basis.  I had no idea just how important this was until a few days ago.  

My grandfather passed away on March 15.  The family all came together for the funeral.  As the family gathered together the usual finger pointing and gossiping occurred.  We are family yet we are all so different from one another.  Our family is composed of the wealthy, the very poor,  the drug addicts, the mentally disabled, people with marital problems etc.  I am sure my family is no different then others.  We are one big accumulation of dysfunction, but we love each other.  

As we gathered together and tried to get along or at least pretend that we all liked each other, it occurred to me that each of us are fighting our own battles in life.  Yes, we all lost a loved one, that is what brought us together, but prior to  March 15, we all have our own life problems we are dealing with.  

Ok, it's confession time for me.  I know what I am about to say is going to bring me some severe scolding from my friends but here it goes.  I also have been going through a lot lately.  During the last week I lost my Grandpa, but during this time my son moved to be closer to his granny. She is having health issues and has not be given a good life expectancy.  Jake will be moving to Oklahoma for the next couple of years which means I will not see him very often.  Right before the viewing of my grandpa, my son and father had an argument which became physical.  I have never seen my father so angry and this really scared me.  I also felt stuck in the middle of this family altercation.  

One of my daughters is experiencing health issues of her own.  She is having blood pressure issues and now the doctors have ordered all types of test on her heart.  While driving back and forth between the funeral home and family members homes, I was getting test results and updates about my daughters health.  

Right before the funeral, I lost a friendship.  This was very bad timing and also very hurtful...

On an upbeat note I was able to have a heart to heart talk with an old friend and gain a new understanding of a previous difficult situation.  We shared some tears and shared some laughs, this was one of the highlights of my week.

Through all of this, I've held my head up high and tried to put a smile on my face. I may be a little on edge and I might not be my normal chipper self but if you see me walking down the street just remember, be kind, I am fighting a hard battle right now.  

This goes for everyone else you encounter.  If people are a little cranky or even if they have a smile on their face remember to be kind, for EVERYONE is fighting a hard battle.....




To my friends that checked in with me everyday and sent their love and support, thank you.  You have no idea what this meant to me, you lifted my spirits and helped me through this difficult time.  You are all greatly appreciated.