Feelings of constraint came on strong today. The skies are filled with smoke, a grim shade of amber and gray. It’s been this way so long now I’m beginning to wonder what a clear day looks like. Having coffee I picked up the conversation with myself that never seems to end. It’s actually more like a running commentary than a conversation. “Oh man I don’t feel like doing anything today. Look at the sky. It’s the middle of the day and we have to have the lights on it’s so dark. I can’t breathe outside. I can’t go anywhere or do anything. Covid was bad enough but this is just too much. What’s the point of even getting out of bed.” Then I realize I’m one of the lucky ones. My house hasn’t burned down. My wife and I are not sick with Covid. No one in my family is. It’s hard to imagine what those kind of losses must be like. I wondered how people get through things like that.

It came to me that the ones who do make it through don’t do it alone. I thought about my belief system; that we’re really all one; there is no separation between us. Even when we’re separated by fires and pandemics we want to be connected. At that moment I decided to call an old family friend I had lost touch with years ago. I was close with the whole family. I found Wendy’s number and called.

“Peter Collins, Wow, I’m so glad you called.” She said. “Yeah it’s great to hear your voice too. How are you?” “Oh, I don’t know where to start. Did you know Michael passed away?” “Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that.”

Michael was her husband. He was a film maker, videographer, and community activist. I used to work with him and considered him a mentor. Wendy shared the story. Michael was hit by a car on his bike. It happened in February. I listened to her share her feeling of loss. She mentioned their kids who I was close with too. We talked about old times at their house. She said the house was in need of a lot of work.
“I can help you with that.” I said.
“That would be fantastic” she said. “I’m sorry I didn’t let you know.” “Don’t worry about it. We’re on the phone together now. That’s what counts.”
“Yes, thank you.” She said.

In that moment I was moved and inspired.  The smoke, the pandemic, the sadness I felt for not getting to see Michael before he died; that all just melted away. All of this because I created the possibility of connection with someone who I had given up on. By making that call I made a difference in her life and her kid’s lives. It was so uplifting for me. My challenge to you is think of someone in your life that you can call and make a difference in their life. Don’t plan what you’re going to say. Don’t’ get attached to an outcome. No matter how long it’s been since you’ve talked, leave your expectations behind and make the call with an open mind. Be prepared to get in their world. Its amazing what can happen when you reach out to someone simply because you want to connect with them.