Reverb 10 is an online initiative created by Gwen Bell to reflect on 2010, consider, you know, what's next and, through daily writing prompts, help folks (like me) share their story.

Since I am ALL about sharing (shuddup Garth, not your real name!) my friend Shannon is doing it and now Diana's joining in (although, the non-conformist in me can't promise to, you know, write daily) I've decided to give it a whirl.

Today's prompt:  Friendship -- How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?

I'm NOT very good at asking for stuff.

Oh, I ask the kids to feed the dog, change the cat litter, pick up the wet towels or take out the garbage, which, admittedly, becomes more of a DEMAND, after asking for the 3rd or 4th time, DAMMIT!

Asking someone, -- specifically, another mom -- to please do me a favor, not so much.

One of my mom friends, which is code for:

One (or more) of our kids go to school together, we've spent at least one hour (or more) complaining about our kids comparing notes and alcoholic beverages may (or may not) have been involved. 

Without getting too personal (about her life, NOT mine!) she's had a REALLY sucky year.

The kind of suckage that leeches its way under your skin, squeezes your heart, melts all the soft squishy parts, rips through your soul and leaves an unidentifiable pile of sludge, in its wake, before the day even begins.

Comparatively speaking, my life is gooder than good.

We don't see each other much, anymore -- which is the sad truth with most of my mom friends, once my daughters quit girl scouts, or our kids hit middle school -- but, her youngest carpools with my youngest and, well, raising kids is real hard.

Having to raise 4 kids, on her own, sucks hairy donkey balls!

I got a text from her, this morning, asking me if I could drop her kid off at her mother's house, "If it's not too much trouble."

My heart squeezed and...YEP...making sure her kid gets home (or wherever he needs to be on any particular day) is the LEAST I could do AND truth be told, sort of a selfish act on my part, as well.

It.  Makes.  Me.  Feel.  Good.

[sound of angels singing]

Then it hit me, right there, in the middle of the elementary school's parking lot, somewhere in between the soft squishy parts, that maybe, juuuuuust maybe, I can learn to ask a friend for a favor AND perhaps make someone ELSE feel good, at the same time, too, right?

Riiiiight.

[sound of incoming text]

"You are the best!!  Can't thank you enough....we are very lucky to have you for a friend!!"

 Stupid soft squishy parts.

----------------------------------------

My OTHER Reverb 10 stories.

© 2003 - 2010 This Full House Blog / TFH Gone Shopping