Late last night the fire alarm went off in our building, startling me out of my not-quite-asleep state. We’ve had numerous false alarms in the three years we’ve lived here, which usually end up being a quick hello with the neighbours.
Last night was different.
It was like an episode of Rescue Me, only I didn’t see Dennis Leary anywhere.
Mark and I got up, moving rather slowly, thinking it was probably just another false alarm. Then we saw the flames on the rooftop on the other side of the building and the adrenalin kicked in.
In my pajamas, I grabbed my wallet and iPhone as someone pounded on our door to leave. My heart started racing.
In front of the building were my neighbours, many of whom I’ve not met even though we’ve lived here for three years. I wondered out loud “if a block party mighn’t be a better way to connect” drawing laughter and smiles.
It’s my default: humour, playfulness, a what-else-is-possible way of viewing life. Yet, even though I have this perspective, sometimes I need a wake up call to remember all the goodness in my life.
Staff from a nearby restaurant came down with water and coffee, providing a much welcomed bit of caring amidst the chaos.
Neighbours were looking out for each other, connecting in the dark.
It’s easy to take for granted isn’t it?
Not today.
Today I am grateful for:
- the fact that no one was hurt last night, and the damage was minimal
- Mark and I celebrating our one year anniversary
- the amazing, extraordinary people in my life: family, friends, clients – so much love it’s hard to take in sometimes
- love – pure and simple, messy and complicated – love
Over to you:
- Don’t wait for the pounding on the door to wake you up.
- Tell someone you love them, count your blessings and be present to the goodness in your life.
- Go.
First, happy anniversary and many many more! Second, thank God no one was hurt. How nice of the Red Robin staff to come and help out. Don’t you love how human nature is to help where you can? Do you think it is human nature? I do.
BTW my husband does the same humor thing in the worst situations. Makes me crazy mad. Sometimes I just need him to shut up and let me be in it. Over 17 years of marriage, we’ve had a lot of those situations where I needed him to be present and not the joker. Guess it’s his coping mechanism. Anyway, great post and I hope you gave a great anniversary.
Cheryl,
I’ll be how old when we reach 17 years of marriage? Umm, never mind 😉
Human nature is a funny thing isn’t it? It was startling to see the restaurant staff wheeling a coffee cart down the street, and I really got the goodness of people.
The sun is shining, Mark and I have a day together and I am grateful to have connected with you and Gabe.
I’m so glad you both are okay. For some reason my Tweet Deck is not working and I can’t see any mentions/direct messages to me. But I’m so so glad to see that you are fine now.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!! Rock on !!! You are an inspiration to those of us who are still seeking love 🙂
And this blog post is honestly a trademark Sandi Insight 🙂
Hmm, a trademark Sandi Insight…I like the sound of that.
First, happy anniversary and many many more! Second, thank God no one was hurt. How nice of the Red Robin staff to come and help out. Don’t you love how human nature is to help where you can? Do you think it is human nature? I do.
BTW my husband does the same humor thing in the worst situations. Makes me crazy mad. Sometimes I just need him to shut up and let me be in it. Over 17 years of marriage, we’ve had a lot of those situations where I needed him to be present and not the joker. Guess it’s his coping mechanism. Anyway, great post and I hope you gave a great anniversary.
Cheryl,
I’ll be how old when we reach 17 years of marriage? Umm, never mind 😉
Human nature is a funny thing isn’t it? It was startling to see the restaurant staff wheeling a coffee cart down the street, and I really got the goodness of people.
The sun is shining, Mark and I have a day together and I am grateful to have connected with you and Gabe.
I’m so glad you both are okay. For some reason my Tweet Deck is not working and I can’t see any mentions/direct messages to me. But I’m so so glad to see that you are fine now.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!! Rock on !!! You are an inspiration to those of us who are still seeking love 🙂
And this blog post is honestly a trademark Sandi Insight 🙂
Hmm, a trademark Sandi Insight…I like the sound of that.
What a wake up call!
Glad you are okay.
Thanks for the reminder, it’s too late to treasure what you’ve lost…
I was really quite grateful for the wake up call, especially as it was just before our anniversary. Along with your post, it made me really think about what’s important so thank YOU.
Yet you still grabbed your wallet and phone, that made me smile 🙂 But then again you did not think it was real…
All you need to “take” along is your loved one(s), which is a very good transition into my next wake up call (clean up the clutter before it begins to overpower me; we don’t need “things”). I’ve got loads of work to get to… chat soon 🙂
What a wake up call!
Glad you are okay.
Thanks for the reminder, it’s too late to treasure what you’ve lost…
I was really quite grateful for the wake up call, especially as it was just before our anniversary. Along with your post, it made me really think about what’s important so thank YOU.
Yet you still grabbed your wallet and phone, that made me smile 🙂 But then again you did not think it was real…
All you need to “take” along is your loved one(s), which is a very good transition into my next wake up call (clean up the clutter before it begins to overpower me; we don’t need “things”). I’ve got loads of work to get to… chat soon 🙂
Thank you for this post. For some reason, I struggle to tell my family members that I love them – especially my brother. We are really close, yet when I start to say, “love you” at the end of a phone conversation, I freeze and a very awkward moment ensues. I just need to say it!
Using the now famous words, “Just do it Audra”!
Thank you for this post. For some reason, I struggle to tell my family members that I love them – especially my brother. We are really close, yet when I start to say, “love you” at the end of a phone conversation, I freeze and a very awkward moment ensues. I just need to say it!
Using the now famous words, “Just do it Audra”!
Great post, the proverbial “wake up call” really was. Thank you for sharing your perspective and your moment of clarity.
The alarm and pounding on the door worked better than any alarm clock I’ve ever had!
Great post, the proverbial “wake up call” really was. Thank you for sharing your perspective and your moment of clarity.
The alarm and pounding on the door worked better than any alarm clock I’ve ever had!