This is not a picture of my desk.  I found it on the Internet to illustrate my day.  A volunteer came to my desk today asking to have a piece of scotch tape.  I was in the process of trying to catch up on 8 items at the same time.  She went on to tell me she had a sympathy card for someone who works in our office suite.  That is when and how I learned that my friend’s father had died.  The funeral was to start in less than an hour, and I had missed the visitation the night before.  In my heart and head, I knew where I needed to be: at the funeral home to support my friend.  My desk work was not more important than my friendship.  So I immediately put my work away and rushed to the funeral home.  I am so glad I did not miss out on the funeral and the luncheon that followed.  Her father would have been so happy to see his family come together to remember, honor, and commend him to the Heavenly kingdom.  Her Dad and I met many times.  The first time we met he did me a favor at watched my dog so I could go to work.  Then I met him as he volunteered at the Information Desk at the hospital.  Later I spent time with him during several hospitalizations.  I will always remember his smile and the accent of his voice.  He is at peace with the Lord and no longer limited by the health issues he faced.

I could have skipped the funeral and later told my friend I cared.  That would not do for me because I feel that part of caring is taking the time be with someone at significant moments in life.