The Little Things

"Appreciate the little things". You've probably heard that hundreds of times, and it's good, solid advice. May I show you why it truly is important to pay attention and value those "little" things.

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My good friend Tibb has ALS. For the past two plus years, she hasn’t been able to move anything below her neck, and about nine months ago, she lost the ability to speak entirely. Tibb operates a device attached to her right foot that moves a cursor so she can communicate. The tip of her right foot is literally all she can move. 

I visit her nearly every day, and I have never heard her complain — not even once. She’s still quick-witted, attentive, and her faith is stronger than ever. The only thing she's ever typed to me was "Everything is being taken away from me" and it wasn't a complaint - it was simply the truth. 

Even though Tibb can’t move her fingers, she still has feeling in them and they hurt. I’ve started squeezing her fingers and hands, which feels good to her, and I make sure to do both hands almost every time I visit. Sunday, I gently took her heavy, motionless hand from beneath the blanket and began squeezing her fingers as usual. About two minutes later, Piper, her cat, jumped up onto her lap, and Tibb gave a HUGE smile.

I gently lifted Tibb’s hand and guided it to pet Piper. One of those “little” things, right? Yes, but not really. Tibb instantly began to sob, her face a blend of joy and heartbreak. It had been over two years since she’d been able to show love to her cats Piper and Roberta. I continued helping her stroke Piper, speaking softly to her as I did. I placed her hand on Piper's head, and she felt the cat's tongue lick her. I guided her hand to Piper’s chest and stomach, where she could hear and feel the steady, motor-like purr, as she continued to sob.

We stayed like that for about five or six minutes until Piper hopped off her lap. I looked at Tibb and said, "It's been a long time, hasn't it?" Tibb mouthed, "Thank you" and "I love you". I stroked her cheek, rested my head next to hers, and told her she was welcome and that I loved her too.

Petting a cat. Just one of those "little" things.

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