Alexa Babin

It’s always the little things, isn’t it? Those small details that let you know someone was really listening, really paying attention, really knows you.

I’ve never been one to feel more loved by grand gestures than subtle, thoughtful ones. As much as I love someone showing up in a big way, I find the thoughtfulness required for the small and detailed approach is just as effective in making me feel cared for.

Sometimes, a good hug will do the trick. Maybe a walk with a friend. A smile of encouragement. Oh, and I’ve always been a sucker for a note or letter… so snail mail? Sign me UP. The key ingredient to feeling cared for is the thought invested. It’s the effort to demonstrate compassion and regard for another person.

Last weekend, I had a unique opportunity to feel very deeply cared for in the midst of circumstances I never intended (or wanted) to be in. I’ll keep it brief for now—mostly because I’m writing late at night and feel I might write this story in greater detail, elsewhere, later—but let me set the scene.

A dear friend’s 30^th birthday weekend.

Cabin in a little mountain town.

10 friends and a dog.

Super Bowl weekend.

Hot tub.

Hawaiian pizza.

Tree nut allergy.

Cashews in a place they should never be.

Epi Pen.

Long, dark, windy mountain road.

Prayer.

Panic.

More panic.

More prayer.

Trying not to panic.

Trying not to puke.

Emergency room.

Hours.

Friends.  

Safety.

Shower.

Sleep.

You get the picture, right?

Suffice it to say that I was well cared for that night. A night etched in my memory, for better or worse. The care delivered to me was not small, and yet, it came in small packages.

The squeeze of a hand.

Holding my purse.

“You’re okay.”

Asking what music to play.

Praying out loud.

Taillights ready for action.

Rubbing my back.

Distraction from nausea.

Standing in the bathroom.

“You’re so strong.”

Pretzels and Gatorade.

And yet, these small things were big. Massive, really. Tiny acts of care disguising big feelings of compassion.

Does it ever get better than that?