The Friend Who Showed Up When Life Fell Apart - LOH #291

There were moments in my life when many things were happening at the same time; it was quite overwhelming. Each day, I kept getting exhausted and scared of what the next day might unfold.

I must admit that those seasons tested me in many ways, but overall, the presence of some loved ones made a lot of difference, and the load became lighter. That season happened a few years ago, the hardest season of my life, and I pray I don't experience such a thing again.

Is it possible to run a home without a dime at home? Very tough, I had to quit my job then when my child's health became so challenging. At that point, life mattered a lot more than my job. My husband was in support and kept working hard to see that our family needs are met.

Sadly, he lost his job in the process, even in the midst of health crises. We were already spending heavily each week on meds; coupled with the high cost of living, the bills were so crazy and overwhelming. Even the basic needs became a struggle to keep up with. I remember telling my kids to stay at home for a while due to inability to pay the school fees, but surprisingly, the owner of the school reached out to me and demanded that I allow the kids back to school while I pay when I can. Hearing that from her was a big relief that I didn't take for granted.

We kept going, praying and searching for other connections for my husband, yet bills didn't wait. foodstuffs weren't available and many more. In all of this, I didn't know how to confide in my siblings; I was just carrying the cross, and it was so heavy.

As a mom and wife, I know I tried staying strong outside, but deep down, I was going down. A lot of responsibilities were weighing me down, but there was something that kept me strong: my husband was a bigger support. Unlike some men, who would transfer aggressions and make home more unbearable, he was calm and kept talking to me as I took the situation so personal and allowed it to eat deeper part of me. Seeing his encouragement was a big plus because he didn't allow overthinking to weigh him down.

I was about happy; we were on the same page trying to navigate that phase, but then a long-time school friend called me one fateful day; it was the least call I expected. She had traveled abroad after our graduation from the university and had been working in the UK till dare. That day; she said she had the urge to call me, and she kept battling with her spirit until she created time for the long call.

We kept talking, and she kept asking me questions over questions. It was as if she had a revelation of the whole situation around me then, and she was totally concerned. I had to open up and tell her everything. She felt my burden and came through immediately. Every pending bill, she cleared all and still sent us huge money to sustain us for a while. My husband couldn't believe it. It didn't end there; she was backing us up spiritually, always praying and encouraging us to stay strong until the storm was over. She also was sending us job offers, and one worked out for us to start with.

She was there for us, always checking out to see that things were returning back to normal; what a friend indeed!...

Looking back today, I have realized that support is beyond money; having someone who sincerely stays with you when life is so overwhelming is a lot of support we can think of or imagine.

This post is in response to the LOH contest #291. You can join in here

Image is mine