I can’t stop thinking about my Hungarian friend that I wrote about yesterday.

All the lonely people.  (Beatles, 1966)

I spent a little time with Amanda this afternoon.  I try to do it whenever I get a chance.  Actually she let me know this morning that she really wanted to go to a favorite local store.  “Why?” I asked.  “Because I haven’t been in a while and I would like to look around,” she answered.

So I took her.

We bought her a big bag of Cheetohs for her to snack on and a pink plastic pencil sharpener.  She was going to color with colored pencils tonight and many of them needed sharpening.

After shopping I hung out with her for a while.  As I helped her work on a puzzle with a picture of a gray kitten and purple flowers, I asked her what I should blog about today.  “Me,” she answered simply.   “Umm … okay … what do you want me to say?” I asked.  “Say how I’m still enjoying my apartment … umm … how I’m doing great…” she responded with some thought.  “Anything else?”  I asked.  “No, that’s all,” she finished.

So … Amanda is still enjoying her apartment, everyone, and she seems to be happy.

But …

Most every afternoon she is alone from noon to 5pm.  She gets bored.  And lonely.  So that is why I try to stop over.

I bet my Hungarian friend gets lonely.  Patients at the surgical center where I work are instructed to have someone accompany them on the day of their surgery so that they can drive the patient home afterwards when residual anesthetic makes it unsafe for the patient to drive.  Most patients have a spouse, family member, or friend to accompany them.  Apparently, my Hungarian friend did not have any one to drive her.  Fortunately, our center provides transportation for patients when they need it.  I wonder if anyone ever visits her.

Psalm 25:15-17 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare.  Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.  Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.

I know we are all busy doing our own thing.  Sometimes it is not in our plan to spend time with other people who just want someone to talk to.  But, please remember the lonely people out there.

All the lonely people.

just Laurel