Meet Eleanor
Oliphant. Chances are, we all know someone like her or perhaps have a relative
who shares her quirks. She struggles with social skills and cues. She tends to
say exactly what’s on her mind, regardless of the setting. Her life is
carefully planned and structured to avoid unnecessary interactions with people.
Weekends are spent with her creature comforts: frozen pizza, vodka, and phone
calls with “Mummy.” And yet, in her mind, everything is just fine.
A
chance encounter with Raymond, the awkward and chronically unkempt IT guy
from her office changes her well-ordered life. When the two stumble
upon Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen on the sidewalk, the three
become unlikely friends who rescue each other from the lives of isolation they
have each been living. Raymond’s
patient warmth and clumsy compassion gradually help Eleanor confront the
emotional wounds she’s long kept buried. Slowly, through shared acts of kindness and quiet companionship, the
three start to mend the loneliness that had long been part of their lives.
Living in a retirement community, I see shades of this story all around me. Living here has brought me into contact with so many wonderful people, neighbors who genuinely care for one another and offer support in small, meaningful ways. That sense of camaraderie is something I deeply cherish. This type of interaction can be life changing for some.
Of course, like any community,
there’s a small minority who seem to find satisfaction in complaining or
stirring up conflict. Whether it stems from personal unhappiness or simply a
difficult disposition, their negativity can cast a shadow. Maybe a chance interaction in their life, can change their attitude. Still, I try to meet
it with understanding, even if I don’t always know the reason behind their
behavior.
As for me, I’ve reached a point in life where I no longer take time for granted. I don’t know how many days I have left on this earth, but I do know how I want to spend them: being happy, helpful, and kind. Be Kind to one another!
If you have not read Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine, consider adding it to your reading list. I really enjoyed it. And please comment if you have read the book.