It has been about three months now since our young friend, Cassy has been renting our lower level from us. I rather hate to even say she is renting from us because she really has become part of our family.
Just about every morning John and Cassy sit together, coffee mugs in hand, and sit on the bench in front of our house. That bench has never gotten so much use in all the years it has sat so still through the seasons. The stories it could now tell!
Cassy lovingly calls this time “Bench time with John.” While there are times I’d love to join them, my yoga morning time is precious to me. Cassy respects and honors that. Besides, I love the fact that John is able to be there for Cassy in a way that is making a difference in both their lives.
When I married John almost 29 years ago I’ll never forget the pastor saying that I would have to work hard to get John to share his feelings . He tends to hold things in. I also used to kid John that I made him love me and the pets we’ve had because at times he was afraid to let anyone in. But I’ve gotten good at knowing he will tell me things that may be bothering him in due time. His right time. He always does.
I think I can now speak honestly here that John has learned to be more open, not afraid to share his feelings. It has been a beautiful thing to watch unfold over the years. But what really has me in awe is watching how he has been there for Cassy. He has been in her shoes in the trenches of trying to run a business. He understand the traps, the pitfalls, the triumphs, the passion.
While he is making a difference in the life of Cassy helping steer the ship of her business in a new and positive direction, the difference Cassy has made in his life is hard to put in just the right words. I’ve witnessed a side of John I’ve not seen before. His heart glows through in all he does and says lately. He is really enjoying helping another person succeed.
It can be scary to let another person into your life for fear of expectations and disappointment. Everyone has to be on board with understanding each others quirks and needs. But when things come together as they have with Cassy living with us as well as accepting our guidance, making a difference becomes a beautiful thing for everyone. That difference then ripples out into the world and though we never know where it may land, we trust that it finds its way.
While I don’t get to catch the sunrise as John and Cassy do during their bench time (Cassy got the shot above!), I am warmed full up with love for both of them and the positive impact this time together is having on all our lives.