Helping Hands

Dark and overcast, the delivery truck unloaded the drywall in the middle of the driveway. Anxious about the ominous look in the sky and wanting to avoid a wet investment, our neighbor and I began to slowly move the largest pieces into the shelter of the space where it would be used. Previously unaware of the weight of large drywall sheets I strained and inwardly groaned as we moved each piece with the delicacy required to avoid cracking or tearing. After accomplishing approximately ten percent of the task at hand, this reluctant participant in Parkinson’s disease and its attending rigidity and stiffness was aching from head to toe. Anxiety was on the rise as I wondered how I was going to accomplish this seemingly herculean task in a timely fashion. Suddenly a neighbor’s friend arrived to say hello. My compatriot quickly solicited the help of the newly arrived friend and the task that appeared minutes before to be so ominous was complete in short order. Effusive expressions of gratitude were showered verbally upon the two sturdy conveyers of drywall this day. Thankfulness welled up inside as I silently thought of the burden I had been spared by the arrival of helping hands. Though throbbing and sore from the strain exerted already, I am grateful and content that provision was made by the hands of a friend and a stranger. Today’s dose of gratitude shall provide nourishment for days to come!