All You Had to Do

Once upon a time there was a woman who was great. She worked hard, she did things well, she set goals and achieved them. She took care of others, was kind, was patient. She was a good friend and people genuinely enjoyed her.

Then she got sick. She was very ill and couldn't go to work. She couldn't do the things she did well. None of the things on her to do list were accomplished. None of her neighbors were tended to by her. She didn't have the opportunity to be kind and patient as she didn't see others. She was just too sick.

This was the time when she realized how nice it would be to have a friend like she tried to be to others. She wished that those who enjoyed her would reciprocate her helpfulness to them. She sat there, feeling sick and wondering what it had been worth.

Meanwhile, at work, the people she worked with wondered what was going on. They thought she must be out for a while. Her neighbors noticed that the little things she did weren't happening, so they did them themselves and they just wondered why she'd stopped doing these things. They just hoped they'd see her soon.

So, here's the problem: there is a woman who could use a friend and help; there is friends and help just waiting out there to be of assistance. And all either of them has to do is ask.

Sometimes, all we have to do is ask. Ask about that friend from work whom you haven't seen for a while. Ask about that neighbor. Make a call. Drop by and check. It is our responsibility as members of the human race to care for each other. And all we really have to do is ASK.