I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends (and Family)

If you are like me, you love your "home time". Once I get home and put on my comfy clothes I don't want to go anywhere. I've spent the last several years being a homebody, spending many hours sitting on the loveseat next to my honey watching TV. Don't get me wrong, I get out. Work, church, and Walmart are the bulk of my social activities. My interactions with other humans are limited, especially at work where the humans are 7 years old.

Growing up I did not have a huge circle of friends. I had those I talked to at school, but I only had a couple that I would consider best friends. As I hit the teen years not much changed. Being a 6 foot tall geeky girl did not help me enter many social circles. In high school I basically hung out with my best friend or by myself. After I met Maddy, he became my best friend and confidant.

I have had circumstances in my life where friends from work or church have brought food or helped out in some capacity. The birth of my girls, surgeries, death of my parents and Maddy's mom, and times when Maddy had a health issue are just a few examples. Truthfully, I have been blessed to not have many emergency situations. You can imagine my surprise by the response of friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and total strangers.

While I was still standing at the side of the road looking at the fire, members of my family and friends from church began to arrive. They were all there to offer support, comfort, and a hug. Once word got out, people were already mobilizing the casserole dishes and paper goods. It amazed me how many people came bearing food, drinks, or paper plates. There were even people who live nearby that I had never officially met, only waved to while I walked down the road, that brought meals. Maddy's coworkers came with cookies and gifts. A high school classmate that I hadn't seen in over a year, only chatted with on Facebook, came armed with food. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, compassion, and support given to my family in our time of grief.

Being the baby of the family means that you have family who will take care of you. I couldn't believe my sisters drove two hours just to come see me that night and several more days the following week. My brother had to make a special trip to see me, just to make sure I was okay. My sister-in-law helped run interference so I could get things done. My family rallied around me like never before.

When the accident occurred I was preparing to start a new school year. I had come home that Friday evening with loads of stuff to finish before "Meet the Teacher" day on Monday, knowing I'd be going back Sunday to finish everything. I got some bare minimum work completed at home with some help. My coworkers told me to call if I went to school, so I did. At least 6 people showed up to help me finish setting up my room and putting things together. They covered my class for me the first few days of school and helped me however they could. They were wonderful to listen to me and cry with me.

Altus firefighters walking in honor of Maddy and all fallen firefighters

Over the days and weeks after the Maddy's death I received many cards of sympathy, notices of donations made in his name, and items from people I didn't know. Cards came to the Friendship Fire Department from all over the United States. Letters from the governor of Oklahoma and the President of the United States arrived to my surprise. It was all very humbling to this homebody from southwest Oklahoma.

One thing I did learn was that people care and truly want to help. I have had to swallow some pride and call for assistance with some "Maddy" jobs around the house. I have let people do things for me that I could do myself, but I know others will receive a blessing by helping me. Sometimes they just showed up and did something without even asking, like mow the lawn.

A true friend is there when you are in need. You may not have spoken in a while, but they show up to support you however possible. Friendship doesn't even have to be with people you know well. A connection can develop from just a friendly wave. Even if you feel like you have no one who will be there for you, be assured Jesus is the best friend you can have. He will be there for you whenever you call. Cast all your cares on Him.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs17:17 NIV

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NIV

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:12-13

I've used this song as a ringtone for some friends that I know will always have my back.