When clients bless you

[DaveyDenero]

So I have to share this story that happened the week after Christmas.

A client called and said her daughter was in town for the holidays and wanted to treat her to a massage - she and her daughter both scheduled massages and pedicures. The hair stylist I work with did the pedicures on each while I did massages and then we "traded".

I noticed when she got there that she was very stif. Money is tight and she is retired so she saves a bit each month and comes every two or three months or so. Sweet lady - usually much more cheerful. Her stiffness I first took as physical.

When she was on the table and I had just started warming up the back she said matter-of-factly, "My daughter in lie passed away on ___." In my head I'm thinking "Just keep massaging" I wasn't sure what to say.

"You mean just a couple days ago?" (her emotionaless voice made it difficult for me to tell whether she meant this was the ANNIVERSARY of her passing or a recent event). "Yes."

I said how sorry I was for her loss and asked if she was traveling to the funeral knowing her family was out of town. She said yes but she didn't know how she would be able to handle it all.

I handed her a tissue, reminded her that this was her personal time and I would continue the massage for as long as she wanted and whatever she was feeling right now was OK.

She took a huge deep breath and instantly the muscles in her back finally released - just melted. She said "I really need someone else to worry about me for a little while." so I said OK - no problem. This was her time for herself so she could be strong for her family later (three young grandchildren she is feeling very responsible for).

We went on to have a great session and she cried a bit as needed - I used some calming and strengthening essential oils - we worked on her feet and calf muscles which are always tight and just pampered her for bit.

She got her pedicure and I worked on the daughter and when they were both leaving she came and gave me a big hug and thanked me for my kindess. When she was walking out she stopped at the door, turned back and said "I really am grateful. I really needed this. I am ready now to be there for them now" and she left. She won't be back for at least a month.

I felt blessed and honored to be a part of her life in that moment. I sat in a hot shower and cried over it later just to release the emotions - not sad but humbled. That she took the time she needed for herself to get in touch with her own strength and soul so she'd be ready to minister and support her son and grandkids.

Anyway - it's been on my mind and I had to share. We get on here and tease about the "pet peeves". I had to share a moment of great blessing I experienced recently.

Angela

 

[americ.adian]

That brought tears to my eyes.

I had a similar instance once but a daughter had just lost her mother.

We truly are blessed sometimes with our clients and many times over they are blessed to have us.

 

[scooter]

Thank you for sharing that, Angela. It is truly humbling to be allowed into people's lives. I am glad you were so blessed by your client.

 

[Hugh]

That's a great experience Angela, thanks for sharing it.
I think you handled it all very well!

 

[gowebsolution]

Thank you all for understanding. It was very humbling and not upsetting to me or anything but just filled me with emotion.

Anyway - she's been on my mind a lot and I've been lifting her to the Lord as she's brought to my mind.

Thank you all for a safe place to come and share. Understanding hearts are always appreciated.

Angela

 

[spaghetti arms]

Angela, thank you for sharing your story..i, too, had tears in my eyes..doesn't it feel wonderful that another human being found comfort in you and you massage? Bless her heart..it really is true, when you bless someone else, it in turn blesses you..

 

[Shenh]

Angela, what a beautiful story and so glad you shared it.
It is a great reminder why we all love our career choice (and lifestyle) so much.

 

[Shaun R]

I agree.

Thanks so much for sharing that. It IS a good reminder. I think you handled that so well, by just being there and delivering what you knew she needed at the time. She will remember that for years

Hugs,
~Jyoti