December 25, 2014

Holiday Kindness And My Gratitude

English: Hot Pot. Magyar: Hot pot és az alapan...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I have been complaining about how much misunderstanding a chronic illness sufferer would receive in her/his daily life, which is true, but, still, there are plenty of understanding out there, to which I am not blind. The incidence of last night was one of them.

Yesterday (Christmas Eve) I was invited by a parent of my student to a Christmas dinner party. It was a joined family parties by at least 3 families, which I know them all. I thought I was in good condition so I happily agreed to come. So late afternoon, I went to bought some presents, and arrived their house a little after 5pm.

The 8 year-old daughter of the hosting family who is also my student opened the door with joy (she later mentioned to me that she had a big surprise to see me). Then I said hi to a few people I knew, very happy to see a couple of my previous students, who only grew taller. Since it was still earlier, I just sat there and talked with a few people intermittently. About half hour later, I started feeling not "right", and to my dismay I realized that my good condition was about to end. For about 20 minutes' length, I struggled between stay or leave, but soon after I found it's harder and harder for me to breath, I knew I must leave, otherwise I would give hosts and guests some trouble.

So I went to talk to lady host - who is an extremely kind and agreeable young woman, that I must leave, but I didn't want to disturb all people. She first thought that I must need to lie down, so she pointed out a small bedroom, asked me to lie down for a while. I said that wouldn't work, because things could get worse. So she "frantically" asked me to take some foods, but I said I didn't want to trouble them. However she still quickly packed some baked sweet potatoes and home-made cake for me, walked to the door with me. Along the way, several people realized that I was leaving, asking what happened, so I reassure them that I just needed to rest, nothing serious, and apologized for my unexpected condition. Several people who knew me immediately come to me and asked what's wrong, one of them even asked if I needed a ride to home. I said I can handle driving. The lady host watched me getting into my car, and I drove away.

It's a shame that I missed the foods, hot pot, my hometown style, with all kinds of fresh meats and vegs. However, after a night of struggle and a good sleep, I feel pretty good today, and know that I made the right decision. What's especially warm to think about is how kind these people were: though they did not know what's really going on with me, they still showed their support. No one were offended. It's worth to mention that last night's invitation was the third time that lady made for me (the previous were for Thanksgiving) and this is the first time I decided to go (due to my health condition I had to turn down numerous invitations all these years and many of them were offended). Still, when she saw I had to leave, she showed her great concern and her unconditional understanding.

I feel extremely grateful and thought it's worth to write it down. I also like to take this chance to thank all my blogger friends, thanks for your visiting and commenting, and wish you all a happy holiday!

13 comments:

  1. And a happy holiday season to you, too. I'm glad you're feeling better. 'Been there, done that,' and it's good that folks understood.

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  2. You're a special person and why so many care for you and why you're a gift to so many.
    Glad you were around these kind of people when you felt bad.
    HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

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    1. That's so kind of you to say that, Angie. Same to you!
      Happy holiday!

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  3. Yun, how wonderful that you received such kindness and unconditional understanding! You are a very kind person yourself and you deserve to be treated kindly too. Hope you have a very happy holiday season and new year! :)

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    1. Thanks Madilyn! I just had great time from dinner party today from the same hosts. I had great time!
      And same with to you, my kind friend!

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  4. It's good to know that you are feeling better now and that you've been among such kind people.
    I hope 2015 will be a great year for you.
    Take care and relax! happy holidays.

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    1. Thanks Julia! Yes, 2015 will be great year for me.
      Take care Julia. Happy holiday to you too!

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  5. I am so pleased you went to their dinner and got to spend some time with them. Kindness is a trait that comes easily to good people and the act of showing compassion and caring is one of the best human characteristics one may have. Seems as if you were surrounded by lovely people. I am glad you are feeling improved and have nice friends, too. :)

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    1. Thanks Theresa! You are right, compassion and caring is one of best human traits. And grateful to have people like this around me.
      Have a wonderful holiday!

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  6. Even though you weren't able to stay for the entire dinner, it sounds as if you enjoyed the time you did spend at your hosts' place, and that's what matters. Glad to hear they were so accommodating toward you. That meal sounds like it would have been terrific!

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    1. Kris, I actually was invited again yesterday and I went there had great time! Thanks for commenting and wish you a wonderful holiday!

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  7. I completely agree that there are a lot of understanding people in the midst of a lot of people who don't understand. I don't deal with chronic illness, but I have had trials in life and I too am grateful for those who take the time to understand just like the people at the party did for you. That kind of kindness reminds me of Jesus Christ and the love He has for each of us. I know He loves you!

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