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People are More Important than Any To-do List

February 22, 2011 By Jean Wise

I spent most of Monday in the hospital emergency room. Not for me, but with my 99 ½ year old best friend, Esther.   
 Esther, bless her heart, kept worrying about me.
  “You are so busy… I am keeping you… Just go… I will be ok… I am such a bother…”

 I stayed.
Then on top of the inch of ice that covered our area the night before, Mother Nature began to dump an additional six inches of snow.
“Go home,” her voice said, but not her eyes.
I stayed.
Yes my to-do list sat untouched all day.
Yes I still have lots to get done this evening.
Yes the pit in my stomach tightens with looming deadlines and others’ expectations. 
People are much more important than any list of things to do.
My tummy may churn, but today I listened to my heart. 
And I stayed.

PS I didn’t write this to pat myself on the back.  I just wrote it from my heart with the message that people are the most important thing we have.   Some have asked about Esther and she is doing well today and being discharged.  Thank you for your concerns.

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Comments

  1. blankJean Wise says

    February 25, 2011 at 3:46 am

    I have had internet troubles today so haven’t been back to comment. Thanks for visiting and leaving your kind words. I think we all need to be reminded what really matters in life!!

  2. blankThistle Cove Farm says

    February 24, 2011 at 2:19 am

    Oh, I’d say the most important thing on your to-do list was accomplished. You and Esther are both blessed to have each other.
    God bless you both.

  3. blankMarti Pieper says

    February 23, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    A great reminder on a morning when an unexpected phone call kept me away from a “pocket” of writing time I thought I had. Relationships are far more eternal than to-do lists. And I’m sure Clella (see her Kindred Writers’ post today) would agree.

    Blessings to you and your sweet friend!

  4. blankJean Wise says

    February 23, 2011 at 11:17 am

    To be honest I get so wrapped up with what I have to do, I do neglect those around me This was a lesson that reminded quite deeply of what really matters in life.

  5. blankPhather Phil Malmstrom says

    February 23, 2011 at 4:07 am

    Hugs from me as well Jean! I’m very glad to hear your friend is doing better; You are indeed Blessed to have one another. God didn’t put us here alone for a reason, and it’s obvious that you understand why. 🙂

    Have a Blessed Day Dear Lady!

  6. blankLaura@OutnumberedMom says

    February 23, 2011 at 1:07 am

    Consider yourself hugged, Jeanie! The same goes for all those wonderful people who help my dear 85 year old mom, states away from me.

    You’re a blessing, and you’re right. People are the most important.

  7. blankKaren says

    February 23, 2011 at 12:38 am

    Jeanie, what a lovely post for your friend. I know why she treasures you! Glad she’s doing better. I know you pleased God more than you know.

  8. blankEileen says

    February 22, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    I wish I could say I always choose relationships over to-do lists. Truth is…I don’t. I make the mistake of thinking the to-do list is important…but in the great scheme of things they don’t matter. You will never look back regretting that you spent precious time with a friend! Thanks 🙂

  9. blankDesiray says

    February 22, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    People are much more important then our to do list…It’s all about relationships and we need to remember that.

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