“Loneliness is no respecter of persons. It’s in everybody, in every way. I think a bishop’s very lonely. I think a bishop’s wife is very lonely. To watch your husband struggle and to not be able to have him share why and what. And then to know how to try and succor and nurture. Which is so tough because that’s what we’re built to do in so many ways, is just to love on and give. And anyway, you go through it like children.” Lori Newbold
When I heard these words this morning, they struck me deeply. It’s something I’ve felt and worked to understand and sought to wrap my head around for 3 years. I feel like I’m finally getting to a place where most days, I can manage it.
I’m sharing this because I know I’ve overlooked others’ needs because, based on external factors, I’ve assumed they are fine. Personal friends I know I could have and should have had more compassion and time for. I’m sorry. I’ll work to be better. Life has a funny way of teaching us and softening our hearts through experience.