Here is my article. Sorry if this is a second submission, my system froze up and I didn't know if it went thru.
The true meaning of “being there”
By Deborah Thomas
Despite the type of relationship we think we have with people, the true test of what they mean to us, not just the paper “good time Charlie,” but the carrier when times are lost, as described in the famous poem “footsteps in the sand.”
I believe that when we acknowledge another person, regardless of whether we know them or not. Even with a simple smile, a “hello,” a nod of your head, you let them know that they are not alone; they matter and exist in the eyes of someone else, even if it is for only a couple of minutes.
Many people demonstrate that “being there” actions by doing for others thru volunteering their time, necessities, etc. to those in their immediate communities as well as thru out the world. One doesn’t need to go that far, you can provide that listening sounding board that even a stranger could use to get their frustrations and anguish out of their system. You will be touching them as well as yourself while truly being there for someone else.