My friend Joan and I were discussing how weepy we’ve become in our twilight years, how everything seems to make us cry.
We’re like those old AT&T commercials, when the son surprises his mom on Christmas, or the dog jumping in the suitcase cause the kid’s leaving for school.
Sentiment has become our drug of choice.
I have a good friend who recently had a triple bypass healing down south. He told me in an email, his chest is so tender, a T-shirt even hurts.
I remembered J. Crew Men’s makes a soft, cotton one, two in a pack, so I called to order them for him. Clearly the boy who took the call was very young. You heard it in his voice, that…this is my first job sound, striving to be professional and efficient, practically to a fault.
We discussed my order in depth uncertain of the size and agreed, for comfort under the circumstances, the bigger the better.
My friend, who I’ll call Max, is a handsome, hulking guy, former Ford model, top of the heap in his time and one of the kindest people on the planet.
The salesman, after placing the order said, “I’m waving shipping for Max.”
Yeah, you guessed it. I sobbed.
SB
They say crying is cathartic. I can’t say that I have ever found it so. I am pleased to say that I am not particularly lachrymose. It cuts me up to see someone crying.
The evolution of crying is an interesting question. What benefit can an apparent display of weakness confer? It’s probably not a question that will cheer you up much.
LikeLike
Lachrymose, now there’s a word, and then some. Well Mick, to come clean, I cry all the time, even often waking up weeping over something without even a name. I’ve come to the conclusion my heart belongs in a straight jacket.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are empathy personified.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m making T-shirts 🙂
LikeLike
I would have cried too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a pair we’d be:)
LikeLike
Boo hoooo, I know it’s not considered manly to sob Susannah. But at least… HONK!… we can…sniffle… do it together…whaaaa! :o(
LikeLike
The family that sobs together, cares for one another much more…not that we’re kin but..you get what I mean.
LikeLike
Yes, bawling my eye’s out. Gulp…I guess we should leave this park bench now and get some more Kleenex. Actually, though, that was very touching what you and the young man did for Max. Have a great weekend Susannah, and be safe back there. :O)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too, in the Land of no Socks, while I sit here swaddled in long johns looking like chimney sweep.
LikeLike
I can almost make out all the soot on your cheeks and nose. :O)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Chim, chimney…chim, chimney
Chim, chim, cher-oo…
LikeLike
Good luck will rub off when I shake ‘ands with you. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol
LikeLike
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear ya sista. These days any act of humanity brings on the tears. I would have been crying at that gesture too…good egg that sales kid is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And to think he was no more than 11. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Susannah, I LOVE this story. What a wonderful young man, and how very thoughtful of you. And yes, my eyes are all watery!
My sweetie had a double bypass 1 1/2 years ago and never mentioned any tenderness. However, it was summer without the dry skin and with lighter clothing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My friend’s in Florida, so that’s a blessing, healing in kinder weather. I wish I could do more, but…email, cards..wacky animal pictures are all I have to offer…and now a coupla T-shirts. I know what it’s like to be suddenly overcome by illness. As if you were hit in the head by a two-by-four…or the heart in his case. So appreciate your empathy Skinny…really. 🙂
LikeLike
What a sincere friend to pick up on what he needs and act on it. The sales boy did good. And why to men think crying is a sign of weakness? (Per Micks comment) this could be a whole other discussion! ~Elle
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s a macho man that Mick…I love a man who cries, like Henry Clay weeping on the Senate floor over John Quincy Adams who died there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been feeling that way, too (I’m in my 60’s). Reading your blog today made me cry……
gmg
LikeLike
Must be somethin goin around. Not the worst thing 🙂
LikeLike
Some folks say it’s hormonal but mine hormones went south a long time ago. Sometimes the feelings make a pit stop just under the skin and there’s nothing I can do until they burrow down.
LikeLike
No one can accuse us of being hard-assed, that’s for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish…
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s like you sent him a “hug in a box”. And what’s better than that 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
He just emailed they came today. How uncanny is that.
LikeLike
How sweet and thoughtful of you. The customer service guy did a great job! Often the young aren’t as self-absorbed as some think. I don’t cry often…usually it’s when I see someone else cry. Tears are good for you…they cleanse and heal.
LikeLike
Anne Lamont always says it’s a baptism.
LikeLike
I like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too.
LikeLike
Pingback: Sentiment has become our drug of choice | How to Be Supportive
Thank you very much.
LikeLike