Ya! Soothe!
Yes — a grand lady, indeed!
Let me tell you of Soothe. She's an associate doing the best for others.
I met Soothe many, many years ago. She was doing what she does best. You know, always busy, going here and there. Most know her, as she stops to chat, like she has with many before. She's kind, always smiling, and if not smiling, she has a deep concern woven into her presence. She gives of herself warmly and willingly with a tenderness that allows her to be who she is. When no one hears in the clamour and noise, she hears those who need her help.
It's hard to tell when I first met her, but there's this feeling I'd come to know her early in my life. Ya know she's there, in our life's story, in the recesses of our mind.
Yet! One of the first contacts with her was one day when I was young and the work hard. Things weren't going well. The others were harsh and demanding. I struggled to keep up and do what needed to be done. Yet I fell behind, discouraged and heartbroken.
It was when life seemed to be the cruellest that there came this warmth. At first, I didn't recognize it. But as this warmth began to fill me, I again recognized Soothe. Her warmth filled me. A deep contentment came as her presence comforted me. As the demands rose, the day darkened. Then with the wind surging, her light lifted me from the gloomy deep, cold darkness. At first it's the words of a song that came to me. Then, as I recognized the soft melody, she was there lovingly humming the words of encouragement. I listened to these reassuring words and was transported from that moment back to the memories. Memories, when she came and brought a contentment, an escape from the chaos. As she sang, and her beautiful voice filled my inner being, a peace filled me. With new strength the work seemed easier, the cold warmer, the harsh words softer. As I took hold of her words of encouragement, life again was worth living.
Many times Soothe has come, lifting from the times that irritate, cause pain, the suffering, the struggles, the questioning, the debate of worth, the disbelief, the guilt, the loneliness, the inhuman, and brought healing, allowing life to be lived.
I know Soothe hears the stories of life being written. She gives peace, a well-being that's expressed by the ones writing their story, knowing they're heard.
In all Soothe does, she brings healing and value to life. And as Soothe brings healing and value to life, she's letting us know that her soothing ways are worthy to be lived by all.
Ya see, as long as I've known Soothe, she's been doing the best for others, no matter what it's been costing her. Like Green, Soothe has given her all, no matter what.
— Tim Kirby is the Sundre Royal Canadian Legion Branch #223 chaplain and welcomes input at [email protected]
