Notes by La'Rue

I know a young lady who’s had trouble to follow her all the days of her life. While most of it stems from her childhood, her adult years hasn’t been that great either. Although she’s had moments of joy and laughter, now there appears to be no happiness at all. Every time I see her, my heart aches, and I have an overwhelming feeling of sadness. I’m talking about the kind of sadness that lingers for days at a time, almost to the point it turns into mourning. However, she’s not dead, but if her situation continues as it has, she will be. I want to feel sorry for her, but I can’t, and that’s because she won’t let me. When we talk, one minute things are getting better, and the next, they’ve turned for the worse. When I stare into her eyes, I see a woman who is filled with so much light, but even it fails to drive out her darkness.

I’ve tried everything I can to help her, or make her feel better, but it was all to no avail. Sometimes I sit and wonder how did her life get this way, when years ago, she started to live and do things the right way. Was this punishment? Was this all her doing? Was what she’s experiencing the beginning, or was it all about to come to an end? Whichever the case, all I know is, I want her to get her joy back, because when she had it, the darkness couldn’t have her. Whether it’s a consolation or not, I’m always rooting for her and reminding her how phenomenal she is, but it’s hard trying to get her to see how I feel, when she can’t see anything for herself. She’s expressed her weariness and seasons of being tired, but no matter how low she feels or her willingness to give up, I always challenge her to just one more fight.

Times are hard, but seeing someone you love go through hard times, makes things so much harder. I don’t pretend to have it all or know all the answers, but what I do know is this, please check on your family and friends. I’ve realized that, some of the most unbothered, happy, upbeat, and strong people, are the main ones dying to be saved. One someone vents, don’t just listen, but pay close attention. It isn’t always about them getting things out, but more so letting you in. They don’t just want your ear, they want your help more than anything.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue