**Sigh**

I would like to consider myself a good friend.

I am someone who likes to help those in ‘need,’

But I think I am losing my ‘knack.’

I have a list of things I see myself as……

I have needed to cross a couple off the list

Drug and Alcohol Counsellor

**Sigh** Some time ago, I knew an active addict was about to hit a brick wall. Someone I really, really care about. REALLY. This person was ringing me high or whatever and it wasn’t good. I could hear how broken they were.

I know the score. They have to hit rock bottom. Even doing rehab, the likelihood of relapse is high. They have to be sick and tired of being sick and tired. But I could see this person would be dead if something didn’t happen SOON. And I couldn’t bear the thought of it.

The person concerned lived in another city. So I rang their sister. And with all authority explained the situation and how this person was on the verge of being dead if something didn’t happen. That in some ways, they were already dead, the person we knew and loved no longer existed, just an addict. That someone needed to reach out to him and extend the hand of friendship. I gave a picture of the future ahead.

I meant well.

This lovely person hung up the phone, freaked out, fell apart, had to go home from work, went around to the addict’s house, fell apart, came home etc. etc.

I was a real help….

Couple of days ago, I had a friend who was feeling a bit low. We all have those times. I have been given clarity on their situation and was able to see things in a new light.

And I wanted to help ease their pain.

So I named myself Stater of the blooming obvious and in my passion to reach out in friendship, bluntly pointed out what was going on. I seemed oblivious to the fact the reply was ‘Yes I know.’

I took it further in my zeal. Having been Martyr of the Decade for the last 3 decades, I reassured said friend numerous times that this was not their fault. I seemed oblivious yet again to their reply of ‘Yes, I know that.’

And as I continued in my tirade of the situation, they got more and more upset and I tried more and more to comfort them to no avail.

Until they finally said something and a voice inside said “SHUT UP and listen.”

I have now crossed off another suitable job title.

Counsellor

In my zeal to help I forgot my number one rule:

“I have one mouth and two ears because God wants me to listen twice as much as I speak.”

So, I will put a zip on that thing that makes noise at the bottom of my face, and use these two side pieces as something more than somewhere to place my pretty jewellery.

I do not know it all. And when I do, I’ll let you all know.