We were all “assisting” each other by living together, supporting one another and sharing our lives.
On the first morning over the phone David was encouraging me to accept Nancy’s offer to go with me to the Mexican Consulate. The first thing that ran through my head was “Oh, I don’t want to impose on her, she probably wants to visit with her friend.” I found myself in an old habit of initially thinking I could stubbornly “do it myself”. And yet I asked if she wouldn’t mind going with me and off we went.
Thank goodness. The 14-hour drive the day before had taken its toll on me. I was groggy and felt a bit like some one had filled my brain with mud. And the Mexican visa meant a lot to me. I didn’t want to have to go to the US every six months to obtain a new tourist visa, I wanted to LIVE in Mexico. Wow, I was really beginning to get the idea that there was more to assisted living than I thought.
I had a bit of difficulty mustering up a big smile through my mud brain as I greeted the man at the Consulate. And I’m not sure if he had had his morning coffee yet. He saw my paperwork, and then gave me a specific set of criteria to follow and told me to go to another counter and organize my papers.
I looked at Nancy feeling let down and we went to regroup. I needed her to think clearly along with me- She was my advocate through her friendship and support and I really began to expand my notions of assisted living.
I have seen over and over again how important it is to have an advocate when making decisions about one’s health choices but I hadn’t always applied it in other life situations. It’s hard to make clear decisions when emotions are up and I needed Nancy and her clear heart and mind to support me through this.
The man at the Consulate was also part of my assisted living package. We returned to the counter with big smiles and a lot of love and respect for what the man at the Consulate had to say, and set about returning three times over the next two days. And yes I got my permanent Visa with a lot of support. If I had not spent time to build a relationship the results might very well have gone differently.
We’re meant to be in relationship with one another, to assists one another, to live and love and learn together, not to be in opposition or isolation. Now I’m examining more of the subtle ways I separate myself. Isn’t it time to heal the lonely rugged individual in each of us and make our lives more easy and fun?
love, Susan
Your post brings back great memories, Susan. You’ve shared a story of collaboration…thank you!
yes, Susan…It is so good to be able to ask for assistance, and to know that loving friends( and even many times just strangers) are open to be of help! I enjoyed your tale of the visa project, and I’m so happy that you were able to sigh and say “O.K., good,that’s wonderful”! I look forward to hugging you very soon…June 14!
Lola
We Are Not Hear To See Through Each Other.
We Are Hear To See Each Other Through.
The above was a saying from a close friends Quaker Grandmother. Things blooming in the Mountains, and patches of green are in Webber Canyon, need moisture. Life goes on in a Yogimbo state of mind.
Peace,
Wally
Beautiful, Susan! Thank you for your courageous vulnerability. Interesting that your Beloved, David, prompted you to ask for assistance. I teach my students to always ask assistance, and from their peers as well. Yet, I don’t even realize when I need the assistance. Thank you, Susan (and David).. This opens up my trusting heart even more. Now, honk of all the possibilities…!
So enlightening to read your story. We have just been wandered thru a similar “sharing” in our relationship and come to a realization that it’s OK to accept help when it’s offered. I love the analogy of ” assisted living”
Hola, dear Susan.
Thank you so much for recording the sweet heart-based details of the “beginning to the end” of your expedition. So beautifully written and beautifully honored.
And I’m remembering the times that you’ve assisted me in holding the support system that ensured the best outcome in my ever-evolving story.
What a joy to see it passed forward!!
XOXOJO
Susan. Lovely. Thank you. Reminds me of Jay (Perry) talking about the circle of generosity. Our receptivity completes the circle! Love you!
How very beautiful! Congratulations for navigating your challenging situation so brilliantly! I love living in assisted living! I love assisting and being assisted. It makes me feel so grateful for all the assists in my life and all the assisters, and especially for YOU beloveds!!!
Susan, what a journey it was to obtain your permanent visa. And your dear and understanding friend, Nancy, to be there for you and assist you in another live and living experience. I am so excited to see you and David this summer in San Miguel. Lots of love to you both! Kai
Hi Susan, and David. Thanks for your sharing. I love the context. It’s so very true that we are to live in assisted living with others. We sure have discovered that over the last year with our life journey through foreclosure and all that has entailed. Sure showed me how ‘alone’ I live. Working on this one each day now. Sounds like you are really enjoying Mexico. All the best, Barb and John, too.