Needy.

In the last year, Livermore (and, I imagine, many other cities) has experienced a homelessness boom. When I was a child, I don't remember ever seeing a homeless person in Livermore, and now we have a tent city of sorts out by the freeway; the times they are a changin'. People have been complaining about it on Facebook because, according to their comments, Livermore has no ordinances regarding people who are homeless, and some people think they should be "kicked out of our city."

After a number of comments on a post from people who were "fed up with the bums," my friends' (I consider all four of her children my friends) mom wrote, "Maybe they just didn't have someone to help them when they needed it." You see, she helps people; it just comes naturally for her. If someone's in need (even just in need of a little extra comfort), there's always a spot at her table, a place on her couch, or an extra stocking on the mantle at Christmas. She's good at loving people--practically, how they need it. I haven't stopped thinking about her comment since she wrote it a few months ago.

Lately, I've needed to depend on my family and friends more than I'd like to. My mom and step dad are helping me with my medical bills, my friends are loaning me their maternity clothes, and my colleagues are helping me through my rough days. All of them are there for me for an extra "pick-me-up" (often in the form of dessert). I wonder what it would be like to not have people to support me; I've never known what that feels like.

I hope I never forget to notice and help those in need--of financial support, emotional support, and love--and we're all in need of a little extra love.