It was a day like any other – except I was having a terrible flare and could barely move. I had all of my meds, food, water, a book I could barely read because holding it hurt. But, what I didn’t have was enough toilet paper and, with this particular flare, this was a really terrible problem.

Ordinarily, this would not be such a crisis. I’d drag myself out and get enough for the duration of the flare. Yes, I’m usually the last person who, when she needs help, doesn’t ask for it. But with this flare, well, going out was just not going to happen.

I could have called a local delivery service. But somehow, paying a delivery charge of, oh, probably more than three times the cost of the precious tissue seemed ludicrous, especially with all of the other medically necessary expenses the flare had ungraciously brought.

So it was that I called a friend.

If you’re healthy, you might at this poing think, “Duh. Why didn’t she do this in the first place?” But many of my fellow chronic illness sufferers will understand – Some of us doggedly, stubbornly cling to independence unless we’re nearly unconscious. And even then, we like to direct traffic!

I felt completely weak and silly asking a friend to buy and deliver a pack of toilet tissue. I mean, couldn’t I at least have needed something dire?  (Although, believe me, the situation was just about as dire as it could be.)  But the immediate, unconditional response of my friend (“Of course. Anything else you need?”) made me realize that asking for help when we really need it is not soft or weak, but rather a strong testament to God putting resources in our lives, relationships that work, and good people who want to do good things.

So, I had a “soft but strong” day in more ways than one.

And, of course, I always tell people I’ll do the same for them. They have only to ask!

Blessings for the day,

Maureen