Because I want you to think about it....

Tonight I posted this on my Facebook page....and then thought since it's been a while since I took the time to post on my blog, perhaps this was the time and place to share...

Today, my heart was breaking...as I sat beside the older gentleman, who was new to me this tax season. He was signing the papers for a joint return, but his wife was not with him. Beside her name was printed "DECEASED" on the papers. He had some questions and I had some answers. We ended satisfied that everything was understood. As he gathered his papers together and I slipped on the rubber band, he said "Now I'm headed to the cemetery." I replied, "Going to talk to your wife." Not a question, but a statement. He nodded, but I could see the tears pooling in his eyes. I was tired and feeling a bit more sensitive today, and mine started watering, too. We stood together and I reached around this near-stranger, and gave him a hug. I said, "It's hard to do this together stuff alone." He just nodded again. Fumbling in his pockets to find his hat, I looked at him and thought of all the people who I know and love, and so many more that I don't, who sit across the table from an empty place, who go for hours, or even days without talking to anyone, who don't know how the things will get done, that someone they loved used to do, who never had to cook for one before, or those who never really cooked. I cried some more after he left, a time or 3 during the day, and then during "be" at church tonight...
If you should happen to see one of those people in the next few days, and you're unsure if you are brave enough on your own, just reach around and give them a hug from me. It might have been quite a while since they had a good squeeze. And you can tell them,"Karen sent this."