Daily Prompt: Helping Hand
Tell us about the most surprising helping hand you’ve ever received.
Helping hands have shown up in my life recently and just in the nick of time if I do say so myself. That’s right humanity came strolling in, fashionably late of course, complete with party horns & confetti to join in on all the festivities. Was I “surprised”? Not really because that’s how humanity rolls.
Considering the level of activity around these parts over the past few months, it wasn’t too shocking to anyone that my emotions decided to go into a full-blown tailspin, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. Now that was a big fat ssurprise!
Believe me when I tell you I admire the complexity of the human brain, but there are times when I really wish it had an “off” switch. Perhaps it could have been installed when I became a mother. God obviously missed the memo on “When Women Worry”, along with the follow-up memo “When Mothers Worry … A Whole Other Story,” otherwise he would have included the switch. He was probably off creating a giraffe or something so I’ll let him slide, since giraffes are so badass.
I was at the point of going from mole hill to mountain in one second flat, which is what can happen when your creative juices 
decide to collaborate with your fears. These 2 should never hook up … ever. Unfortunately for me they were in an on and off relationship since September, but decided to take it to another level in February and by the end of March they were nothing short of hot & heavy. Such sluts!
So, on that particular Thursday when I pulled into the parking lot at work, I could not believe what suddenly began to unfold. One minute I’m laughing along with the morning Dj’s and the next my heart is pounding out of my chest. My imagination and fears decided to get it on right there in the parking lot!
Somehow I managed to get out of the car and right into my first set of helping hands. Lord knows I must have appeared completely crazy, but in the moment I was more concerned about dying and much less concerned about first impressions. This stranger walked me to my office, assured me I was “ok” and wrapped those helping hands around me with a supporting hug before closing the door. Suddenly I was alone with the dynamic duo again…this was not good.
Next set of helping hands to show up was my boss. Oh, yes you did read that correctly. By the time he arrived on the scene, not only was my heart pounding out of my chest, but the tears were uncontrollable. He assured me I was NOT having a heart attack, but what did he know? … he’s only a DOCTOR for god sakes! My brain was already claiming victory over this battle!
Just as I was about to wave my white flag and let my brain wear the crown some helping hands joined forces. My friend/co-worker arrived and knew exactly what to do. Honestly, the only thing missing was her white horse. She held my hand and walked me down to the office of my family doctor while reinforcing the fact that I was NOT having a heart attack. Um, I still wasn’t believing it.
Her helping hands had a magnetic force that attracted more hands into my circle of need, while never loosening her grip on mine. The girls at the desk, the medical assistant and the nurse practitioner all worked together with my friend to ensure me that I would come from behind and start kicking some crazy ass very soon. It really does take a village people.
By the time this all ended I was whipped! My brain is pretty freaking tough, but my spirit is much tougher thanks to all those helping hands. They helped me to get back on the road to Enjoy the Ride!
Life With The Top Down 
Panic attacks are frightening, you are lucky to be surrounded by so many helping hands! 🙂
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I certainly was lucky!
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Oh I am familiar with these – too familiar. And you’re right there are certain life forces that should never, never get back together again! I’m glad those wonderful hands were there for you.
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Worst feeling in the world! I too am so glad you had so many people there to help you. After taking a trip to the ER for the first panic attack, the dr told me they strongly mimic a heart attack and so you should always get to a dr just to be certain. Then he gave me Xanax and sent me on my way. I’m happy you’re feeling better! 🙂
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They usually strike me around 3 AM. There is a paucity of helping hands at that hour, and my wife is not interested in being supportive during single digit hours of the morning.
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Panic attacks are the worse..I’ve had a few, usually in bumper-to-bumper interstate traffic..
Those helping hands were there for a purpose, to guide you to a place of calm..
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One of my dearest friends gets them. The first time she was sure she was dying. It was very frightening. Now she kind of knows what’s going on (at least in her head) but her heart always tells her she’s dying. Good luck!
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Kate you are so right. You head is all logical and your heart has a whole other program going on…it’s the worst.
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I’m so glad that people were there for you when you needed them. Help sometimes shows up from the least expected places.
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It certainly does Twin!
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My first full blown panic attack, I was alone and it was close to midnight. I had just gone through some trauma which I handled magnificently. I posted on facebook so that those concerned would know. “Everything is OK and now I can breath.” I walked into the living room and suddenly couldn’t breath. I ended up calling an ambulance for myself because I was sure I was having a heart attack. The paramedics that came were awesome and actually sat and talked with me (after checking for heart attack symptoms) until a sleeping pill kicked in.
It so scary and you feel so out of control. I am so glad you had those helping hands to get you through it. I hope a permanent separation for your imagination and fears is on the horizon. It’s wonderful that you are feeling better and that you are able to share this with us…because…well, we are your village too.
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Whew! You nailed it with how suddenly it comes on…that is truly what scares the crap out of you. Looks like we were both very fortunate to have such compassionate people cross our paths.
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I love your theme and am glad some calming influences were around. To answer your question, I guess when I think of my biggest helping hand it is that of my wife. We try to be each other’s rocks or better yet, “safe places to land.” When we have had interesting tests of fortitude and resilience, usually with a child, parent or friend in need issue, we huddle up and come up with a game plan and take it day by day. That commonaility of issue, resolved plan of action and support has helped us make it through some of those interesting challenges we all face in one way, shape of form. Great post, BTG
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Thank you for stopping by and for your wise words.
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This is a tough one to read, since I really love reading your work and have come to care about you as a friend. To have not been able to be a set of helping hands, I am so thankful that other hands were there to lovingly care for you. Panic is a terrible, terrible thing. I have had my share of them and they are awful. I hope the panic returns to it’s dark hole where it belongs and leaves you alone. My thoughts are with you. DAF
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I was so fortunate, honestly. Thanks for your good thoughts.
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My goodness … so glad to hear you had so many helping hands to get you through it. {{{{ hugs }}}} hope you put those two in their place and keep them far far away from you.
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❤
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Thank goodness for those helping hands.
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You know it!
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I’m so glad you had those helping hands around. They can be life savers!
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You’re not kidding : )
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I have never had a panic attack but know a few who have had them. It is kind of scary and people around them need to be reassuring and help out. It’s nice to see you had good people around you during this time. Hopefully it won’t happen again.
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I know people who have had them as well, it’s really different when it happens to you…yikes! It better never happen again!
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Happy to hear you got through it and feeling better! Sounds scary!
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Me too Kris!
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How do you do it? Find the funny in everything? You put it just right: creative juices and fear, getting it on. Kazoomba! Your own personal Oklahoma tornado. What possible use could evolution have for panic attacks? I have no idea, but they are so common, there must be one. Glad your friends and family were there with the Safe Room ready. May this be your one and only, and yes, I thank the stars for people who are there when we need them the most.
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Was this your first panic attack? I recognized the symptoms as soon as I read them. http://benzeknees.wordpress.com/2013/02/10/adventures-in-panic-attacks/ If I can help in any other way please let me know. I have a lot of experience & I am happy to help newbies find a way that works best for them deal with panic attacks.
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Helping hands is the perfect phrase to describe the actions of those who know and care for us and the kind acts of strangers, too. I am glad you had people to help you that morning and trust they will be there for you for guidance and support. Take care of yourself!
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Forgive me…I know what a harrowing experience that must have been but boy…did you make me laugh… He assured me I was NOT having a heart attack, but what did he know? … he’s only a DOCTOR for god sakes! And the mole reading? Just had me on the floor, and let me just say…thing are really weird in these parts at the moment so I needed it. I hope from my heart you aren’t afraid anymore. The title’s great too Lisa.
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Good to know you are back on the road!
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