We Walk The Same Line


I completed my first shift at the Samaritains last night. And an interesting, thoughtful and indeed sobering shift it was too.
I left the centre after an unusually busy evening of calls with my head spinning.
I was not overwhelmed by it all in any way. I am well versed in dealing with distress through work, but it was the broad nature and vast scope of subject matters that surprised me.
It was probably a good night to start,
We all need to offload our burdens do we not?
Over a pint in the pub, over the dinner table, a chat to a friend on the phone, writing a blog......we all find our own confidants in some shape or form whether they be family, friends , or a stranger on a train.
And when I got home ,to a quiet cottage, just before midnight
I sat quietly for a while listening to Chris coughing in bed and Winnie snoring her way through bulldog dreams in the kitchen.
And I thanked " whoever" that my lot is a good one.

55 comments:

  1. Nice observation Earl Gray

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  2. Something we all should do; daily!

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    1. When we used to say our prayers as children we always did.... Perhaps there is something in that cro

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    1. Nope.... Some of the volunteers that have been doing the job for thirty odd years are

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  4. Whatever our troubles, we all need someone to listen to us and offer support. It makes you realise how blessed we are when we can have that support from friends and family. Well done for providing that support to those who wouldn't otherwise have it.

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    1. So sad to think that so many people have no one in this world eh?

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  5. It really puts our lives into perspective doesn't it when we hear some of the sad tales around. But you are doing something and that is wonderful.

    Someone else who helped in a completely different way (I hope the link works)

    http://imgur.com/gallery/Z8mmDBZ

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    1. Gets me crying every time ..stories like these sue

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  6. I find my shifts at our equivalent of the Samaritans really grounding. It doesn't matter what is happening in my life, by the time I have listened to a few calls I am reminded just how good it is.
    I am really glad that you have finished the training and have the first shift under your belt.

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  7. I am always thanking my lucky stars for the life that I live . My brother-in-law is a Samaritan and he always says how it puts ones own life into perspective....... John, you are worth your weight in gold { even though you are going to weight-watchers !! } XXXX

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  8. I am always amazed at the workload that caring people like you take upon themselves. I don't know where you get the energy from, or how you manage to say no to the odd glass of Chardonnay or Scotch Egg.

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    1. Naw... People like auntie glad have real stamina..... 95 and still going strong

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  9. May I please give you a hefty pat on the back for becoming a Samaritan? Your natural kindness, your love of life, your open-mindedness, your ability to listen and your sense of humour will make you a perfect counsellor and I am confident that you will make a lot of people feel better about the situations they find themselves in. As they say these days - A Big Shout Out for The Earl!

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    1. I couldn't have said it better myself.

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  10. You're a good man. Even more so for being able to recognize your own good fortune. Maybe, just maybe, there's something other than madness that draws Chris to you.

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  11. Well done John. I'm delaying my training as I have a lot to cope with at the moment... but one day...

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  12. Yes we definitely all need to offload our burdens for sure. It's unhealthy to keep it all in. Nice thought my friend.

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  13. you are going to be a very good samaritan!

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  14. You epitomise The Good Samaritan - what a lovely thing to do. I was talking to my daughter the other day about not underestimating how lovely a life can be the just "goes along" - you rarely need the grand gestures, just someone to listen and hold you when required. xxxx

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  15. Anonymous12:23 pm

    Nothing like some else's misery to make us appreciate our own lives eh?

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  16. You're an angel, John! I love the photo in the sidebar of Winifred's adoration for you. Brilliant!

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  17. Very praise worthy indeed John. The Samaritans should get paid for the incredible work they do. I would like to be a counsellor but I don't think I could handle it. Especially people who are homeless.

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    1. The training prepares you Dave..it's exceedingly thorough

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  18. There are, indeed, people who don't have anyone in their lives that they can talk to. Thank you, John, for being there for them!

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  19. If I ever have the need to call the Samaritans I hope I get someone like you on the other end of the phone. x

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  20. I worked in Social Services before retirement and you just wanted to cry sometimes at what families were going thru....we led them to housing or shelters, food banks, and job interviews .....most really wanted help but many were only involved with us to stay on the dole. I am grateful that my grandchildren will never have to walk in those shoes. With the Samaritans it is more of an inner turmoil that most can handle but many who feel they need a good ear and heart to turn to....they couldn't find a better heart than yours John. I tell my grandkids not to judge other people as they have no idea of what demons are inside.

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  21. You're very good...I suspect I'd be there telling them to get a grip...on a serious note, I can see how it would make you appreciate your lot

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  22. a-MEN, bro. "there but for the grace of [insert deity here] go I".

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  23. What YP said? I agree with that..x

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  24. So many people alone and lonely.

    Love,
    Janie

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  25. I will gladly shout "God loves me! and you!" Then I will do what I can to help those who need a gentle loving heart.

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  26. wow John I don't know where you get all the time. Your a real love, as is your Chris by the sounds of it. they don't make many like you any more

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    1. I have to agree with Sol!!!!

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    2. Bollocks l only do one shift a week at the hospital

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  27. Particularly awful stuff about children in the news at the moment; it's a shame more people aren't like you John, caring enough to do somethign to help others.

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  28. It's a really good thing you do.

    And you're so right too often' we forget to be grateful that life is good.

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  29. Anonymous7:35 pm

    You're a good man, John Gray.

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  30. Heartwarming post fella. :) Good on you x

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  31. That it is, John.

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  32. There has been many a day when I think I have problems until I hear the real plight of others. So yes, I thank God 'that my lot is a good one' too. It's also good to know that people like you take the time to help others that need it. Thanks mate.

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  33. Thanks Chris for the very timley post. I was doing my woe is me act, till I read this. Worked so much better than a boot to my posterior. Maysie x

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  34. A timely reminder indeed John. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in petty little annoyances that we forget the bigger issues. Thankful indeed.

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  35. I offloaded mine at a Rod Stewart Gig in Glasgow.......maybe not as sexy but still charming after all these years and an excellent showman. Today seems a bit flat by comparison!Have a good weekend.x

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  36. And I'm sure someone that same night thanked whoever for people like you.

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  37. When I did volunteer reading for the blind and led hikes for the Georgia Blind Adventurers many years ago, my daughter used to tell me I was building good karma. Well, John, your whole being is blessed with good karma - you are one of the kindest men I know, and I DO feel that I know you!

    Nancy in Iowa

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  38. What a wonderful post, John. I hope those people realize how lucky they were to get you. :)

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  39. Yes, we all have a need to un-burden at times. Although I'm not sure a voice on other end of a phone line is always the answer I guess that just knowing that someone cares enough to listen may help.

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