Kindness in the face of Fear

It’s so easy, when you are in the middle of a crisis, to think only of yourself and of your own comfort, isn’t it? Closing down to the outside world is often just what you need to get through what is happening in your own life. But what about all the people who are worried about you? what about their concerns? Well, for most of us, we just let our friends and family talk among themselves to get the news. Over the past week, however, I have seen a sterling example of Grace Under Pressure from a member of my family. She had a difficult diagnosis, and had to undergo surgery. But even in the midst of her own worry, the need to comfort her own immediate family, awaiting results, and all the things that come with worrisome medical problems, she had the kindness to put out a blanket email to those of us who she knew were concerned. She did not leave it for someone else, she did it herself. Understandably tired from it all, she still took the time to text me after I left a phone message. This kind of graciousness is rare in the best of times, and in times of worry they are almost unheard of. So to my dear dear cousin, I thank you and bless you for your kindness when you had the right to let every one else fend for themselves.