Black Friday is becoming more about the deals you can find on your computer and less about getting out of the house into a physical store. I know some folks have the tradition of heading out early in the morning on Black Friday. I couldn’t fathom that tradition, not because I detest getting up early, which I don’t, but a sale doesn’t cause me to leave my house that early!
Black Friday got me thinking about what has gotten me up and out of the house in the early morning hours before the cocking crow.
- Trips to the ER for myself. I remember several self drives to the ER during my cancer journey while living in Hawaii because my husband had to stay home with our kids, all under the age of 12 at the time.
- Heading out to help deliver a baby. I’ve actually done this about 20 times! Life has a way of changing in the blink of an eye and the next thing you know, life is disrupted by things you didn’t anticipate, such as wartime when spouses are away and can’t be there for a birth.
- Getting an important phone call. I’ll never forget the call letting me know my dad had passed away in the middle of the night. I called my nearby siblings and together we spent time with him saying goodbye.
- Helping a friend. I’ve spent time standing next to a hospice bed, singing with friends as we said goodbye to someone so dear, and yes, sometimes those calls came in the early morning.
The cultural Black Friday exodus to compel consumers out of the house in the wee hours of morning will eventually come to an end. Amazon has assured us of that, especially if consumers are only about getting the best bang for their buck.
However, what will never end is the relationships we have with others that will never stop us from disrupting our sleep to get up and out of the house. I treasure the moments I had with my dad in the quiet of the night, am grateful I could support friends bringing new life into the world in unexpected moments, and grateful I have the means to get to a medical facility, even if it’s in the middle of the night.
I’m not going to pretend that everything that gets me up from sleep makes me grateful. Sometimes those moments are challenging, filled with unexpected emotion. I usually need time and distance to appreciate those moments. Ultimately though, I’m thankful to have relationships that give me a reason to get out of the house unexpectedly.
Outside of an amazingly good deal for some, what gets you out of the house in the middle of the night? Pause for a minute and reflect on your stories. Share your experiences and what you gained from getting out of the house in middle of the night?