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Radio Diaries: Holding My Cuffs

I pull on my jacket and notice how I automatically hold the cuffs of my shirt so the sleeves don’t scrunch up.  I’ve been doing this forever and haven’t a clue who taught me or when.

Suddenly I’m aware of so many things that someone taught me as part of growing up:  Tying my shoes, buttoning a button, zipping a zipper, holding a pencil.  Each task required some patient adult—willing to help an impatient child.

Willing to keep encouraging me to try and try again—those myriad adults—most of whom I cannot recall and probably never thanked.

Strange to reflect now how I thought those tasks were a path to independence.  Instead, I realize I have depended on others every step of the way—and still do.

But I’ve finally figured out it’s okay to depend, to need—because others need me, too.  On a recent afternoon, I helped my granddaughter to understand a poem.  Then she helped me set up a Facebook page.  A patient child helping an impatient adult.

So, I pull on my jacket, holding my cuffs, and remember how connected we are—each to each.

Each to all.