Wrong number, Right conversation     

It takes me a while to toss out stuff – especially quotes, articles, and poems that could help me and my clients see a new possibility.  During a recent culling, I came across notes from a phone call. I hope in reading this you’ll remember a kindness you offered someone. Perhaps you thought it was no big deal. I think it mattered and so did the person you offered it to.

Dateline: 2021

I eased into my morning routine of black coffee and TicToks of waterfalls, horses playing with huge bouncy balls, and dogs carrying sticks.  Like I said, I eased into my morning.

The phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number.

My MO is to wait until I hear someone speak before I pick up. Too many robo-calls. This call, however, displayed a screen name. I picked up. The woman began speaking quickly:  “I need to talk to someone to help me with my meds. I don’t know how to take them.”

I asked her what number she dialed. She repeated mine. I told her that she dialed the wrong number.  She began again with a teary voice saying she needed help with her meds.

It didn’t matter that I didn’t know her or wasn’t who she needed to talk to about her meds. This was not someone I was going to hang up on. She was in my orbit.

I told her my name, asked hers. “Ok, Sandra, let’s see if we can figure this out together.  Who are you trying to reach? Is it a person or a company?”  She gave me a name.

“Let me look that up. (Google to the rescue.) Ok. Here’s a number to try. Do you have pen and paper? If that isn’t the right extension, ask them to get you to the right person.”

Sandra replied, “Thank you. You’re kind.”

“Happy I can help. You’ll be OK.”

I waited 20 minutes, then called her back. “Did the number work?”

“No.”

“Ok, let me try again. I’m sure we can find the right number because you are very clear about who you want to reach.  What state are you in?”

“Wisconsin.”

“I grew up in Ohio, so I know that part of the country. It’s beautiful.”

Sandra told me the doctor was part of a national clinical health company.

“OK.” I googled the doctor’s name. “Try this number. It’s in NY, and since it’s a national organization this should work.”

“OK. You’re an angel. Thank you for helping me.”

I waited 30 minutes and called. “Sandra, this is Camille. Did you reach the doctor?”

“No. Not the right number.”

“Ok. Let’s try something different. Is there a phone number on the medicine bottles you have?”

“My friend Rosemary helps me with my meds. She’s a good friend.”

“That’s wonderful that you have a friend like Rosemary. Maybe you could call her to help you?”

“Yes, I can do that.”

“Do you have Rosemary’s number?”

“Yes.”

“Ok. Give her a call. She’ll be glad to hear from you.”

“Thank you. You’re an angel. Thank you so much.”

“I know you can figure this out, Sandra. I appreciate the courage you have to reach out for help. You will be OK.  Bye.”

I hung up being grateful for the Rosemarys in the world and being moved by what it takes for the Sandras to be Sandras.

Dateline Now: Acknowledge yourself for the kindnesses you offer. They matter to the person you gifted and to you.