The Thought Does Count

Deer Raymond,

I just found out my friend is going through a hard time. There’s nothing I can do to make it better. The things she needs aren’t things I can give her. I feel really helpless.

Signed,

Empty Pockets.

Dear MT,

I’m sorry your friend is having a hard time. I hope things get better for her. I had a hard day today too. Today was the day my human picked to put up the holiday lights. I was soooo excited cause I wanted to help. But nothing went as planned. The roof was wayyy too high, so I couldn’t help hang them. Then I tried to set the light timer but I did it wrong and the test lights were going on and off every 5 minutes. How was I supposed to know it wasn’t set in Deerlight Savings Time???

Then I tried to untangle the lights and ended up getting wrapped up in them myself! My human had to save me.

She put me on the patio and I felt really sad. I wanted to help but I was just in the way. Then she said, “Hey Raymond, why don’t you pick some Christmas tunes to make this go faster?” So I got the phone and my DJ (deer jockey) set up and had the place jumping. It was soooo much fun and it really helped my human.

See – sometimes it seems like nothing we can do will make a difference. But, telling someone “I”m here for you” or asking if they remembered to eat that day or sharing a song they really like can make a world of difference. There is no such thing as “small gifts” or “little kindnesses” – there are just gifts and kindness. You are never helpless as long as you care.

Your rockin’ friend

Raymond