Call Me If You Need Anything.

 How many times have we said those words? How many times have we actually meant those words? How many times have we delivered?

I know I have said that quite a few times over the years. It seems like that is a go to when I don't know what to say, especially during a time of loss. 'Anything' covers a lot of territory. It could run the gamut from essentials like food, water, and clothing to transportation. It could also mean something as basic as a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen.

I am sad to admit that there have been times when I worried about my offer...wondering if someone would actually take me up on it. What would I do? Could I deliver?

I am not a person who typically calls people for anything. I have leaned on my neighbors when I needed an egg, some sugar or to borrow a can opener, when mine broke mid-recipe, but I do not usually ask for help - even though there have been times I could have used it.

I am not sure why I am reluctant to ask. It might be something with my DNA or the way I was raised but I like to be self-sufficient. I don't want to seem like a bother or nuisance or even worse...weak. Yes, those reasons seem quite silly especially when you are in the midst of a problem and especially if someone has already put the offer out there and it is just dangling....

I recently took a friend up on the 'call me if you need anything'. I debated on what to do and if I should reach out, but it wasn't for me - it was for my dad.

He has been dealing with some health issues and recently ended up in the emergency room. The emergency room is not where you want to be on a regular day, but now it is even worse. The flu is really an issue this year and many people are sick. I have seen the reports on the news, but I kind of tuned it out. Come to find out this week that there are no rooms at local hospitals. They are filled with people who have the flu.

After tests were run, it was determined my dad should be admitted to a nearby facility. It would require a ride in an ambulance to facilitate the process. This sounded easy enough until we found out there were no beds available at the time. Ok, a minor set back, but it didn't seem like it would be that long before he would be able to make the transfer.

Twelve hours later....it was apparent that no one was going anywhere any time soon. My dad was told he might have to stay in the ER for another day. This was nobody's fault - it is just the way things are right now, but I knew it was time for me to call someone because I needed something.

That is when the texting began. I called upon a childhood friend who over the past couple years I have reconnected with. She works within the hospital network and was really our only hope of rectifying this situation. I was not sure if I was doing the right thing and I thought the worst that could happen is she could say, "Sorry, I tried." That would have been ok too because then I would have had the peace of knowing I, too, had in fact tried.

Within three hours the situation was resolved. No, my dad did not get a bed, but he did get released to go home where he would be more comfortable and out of the flu zone.  He was spoken to by a manager about all the tests that were done and what they meant. He had an appointment with a specialist in two days. He had peace of mind and it was because we needed help and I called someone.

I am still shocked at the way things played out this week. I don't know exactly what my friend did or how she did it, but she made a huge difference in our lives. My take away from this is that it is ok to ask for help and if you try sometimes you just might find, you get what you need. (Yeah, I stole that, but I don't think Mick and the boys will mind.)