I previously posted about my phone banking experiences these were different.

[gibraltar72]

Last night I was calling voters in 7th district of Mi. Something happened twice last night that made me think beyond politics. I called a listed 65 year old woman a man answered. I asked for her and he said she isn't here. I then said are you her husband, he replied partner for 25 years. I said that's the same thing to me do you have a minute to talk. He then said to me she passed away from early onset dementia. She made it to 65 I'm 69 and always thought I'd go first. I of course was stunned but he needed to say that to someone. I offered my condolence and we just talked for a bit no politics. He just shared his grief. I just felt as if I was supposed to get that number.

Second experience I call a 59 year old lady. She answers and I introduce my self and tell her why I am calling ask if she's got a minute to talk. She says just a minute then says my son is dying of virus this very minute. Again I am stunned I tell her how sorry I am then tell her I know how she feels having lost a son, I am in tears at this point. She consoles me. I say this is no time to talk politics. We both cry a little I wish her the best and we say goodbye. I end my shift 15 minutes early i am emotionally drained but so glad I got those numbers rather than someone else.

[Dem2theMax]

1. I swear some things are meant to be.

I was on the receiving end of kindness like yours, after my father passed. I don't know how many people reached out to me over the phone, when they were calling for a totally different reason.

I'm glad you were there for them.

[mcar]

2. I'm betting they appreciated your words, gibraltar72

[tblue37]

3. You probably helped them in their grief. Sometimes they do need to talk.

You should read the very short story "Misery," by Anton Chekhov to get a sense of what your kindness might have meant to these people. (The story is also called "Grief" or "Lament" in different translations.)

Full text here:

https://genius.com/Anton-chekhov-misery-full-text-annotated

[llmart]

4. You are a good person.

How kind of you to not talk politics or not even care what side of the political spectrum these people were on. That takes wisdom and experience and kindness.

[stillcool]

5. what a gift..the ability to listen is not given..

the praise it deserves. One human to another, no motives, just trading life experiences. I had one of those talks at a laundromat years ago, with a woman I'd never seen before, or after. She was dying, and had come home to say goodbye to her family. Life, and relationships, are so different, but the emotion that lies beneath is often the same. I will never forget her. You did a special thing.

[Karadeniz]

6. I'm so happy you were there for them!❤

[Nevilledog]

7. You are a bright light.