Make the Call

Growing up, I remember the mocking phrase: “Here’s a quarter, call someone who cares!” Usually you became a target of this phrase if you were complaining about something, even something very important. Usually upon hearing this phrase you had a sudden, sinking feeling that you had no one to call. I don’t remember many phone booths back then, so even if you had a quarter and even if a quarter was enough to make the call (unless you dialed Collect, of course), you probably couldn’t find a phone to place the call. This left you in quite the conundrum. One that made you feel like “no one cares.” And perhaps worse, even if someone did care, you’d have no way to convey your message. Hollywood likes to portray that prisoners only get one call after arresting and booking (it’s actually up to three). Whether a prisoner behind bars, or a captive in your own mind, if you have one - or even three - calls, you better hope the person you dial answers the phone. And if they answer the phone, that they’re willing and able to help you in the way that you actually need. There is a lot of risk in that. A phone call takes faith. A phone call takes courage. At the end of the line, a phone call could be met with disappointment…or breakthrough. There’s only one way to find out. After all, what’s the cost of not making the call? (It's probably more than a quarter). Maybe “call someone who cares” isn’t just a cutting phrase. Maybe it’s good advice. Being handed a quarter to call someone who cares may actually empower you to connect with someone who cares. (That’s my hope, at least). So here’s a quarter… Make the call. PS ~ if you require help beyond the people you personally know who care, you can call upon these resources… National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org https://www.crisistextline.org https://thebluedovefoundation.org/national-mental-health-hotline-numbers/

You are worth it!

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