That's What He Said

I had an unexpected and always welcome call the other night with someone who knows me better, deeper, wider, and stronger than most. Someone who has the unerring ability to simultaneously make me laugh, cry and think. And who has perfect aim when it comes to putting his finger directly on my most tender spot and making it throb.

He said one thing in this particular conversation that has resounded in my head: "What are you talking about?" he said when I expressed doubt about being able to handle everything that sits before me, "You've always been able to handle everything you take on - more than anyone else I know."

I'm not sure why that brought me to tears. Or why it's been echoing since our conversation. Maybe just because of the gap between how he sees me and how I see myself. Or maybe because there's always a small piece of me that wonders why, if he thinks so highly of me, he's there and I'm here. But mostly I wonder why I don't see what he sees. I suppose partly it's because I know I can handle it all, I just get tired of doing it on my own.

But there's something else too ... and I wish I could see clearly what that is. It all makes me think of my old friend Pooh bear. Only I don't know in this case if I'm the one with very little brain. Or the very timid friend. And I don't know which one he is either. But I do know that I'm blessed with friends who believe in me when I run out. And that sometimes that's enough to keep me going.

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. “Pooh,” he whispered.
“Yes, Piglet?”
“Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s paw, “I just wanted to be sure of you.”