Today, I was thinking about the difference between giving when you feel like you have nothing left and putting someone else’s well-being before your own.

This morning, my neighbor was on his way to his mom’s funeral. Through tears, he shared that she had passed. I hugged him, offering my condolences the best way I knew how.

I met his mother only three short months ago. She was battling brain cancer, and it was clear she was losing the fight, but that didn’t stop her from walking herself to the neighboring school to vote in our elections. She stopped me on a walk and asked if I would help her. Without hesitation, I fell in step with her, slowly making our way to the school. Because of her language barrier, I was able to walk in with her, read the ballot, and fill it out on her behalf. She was grateful. And in that short walk, a friendship sparked—we were both in recovery from something and both living with chronic head pain.

A week later, I found myself struggling to be available for her. My own chronic condition made it difficult to keep up. I let her son know that I had to prioritize my well-being, even though I wished I could do more.

Today, as I watched the funeral procession drive away, I knelt and took a moment of silence for her. I gave what I could, and I’m at peace with that.

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