As I was riding the elevator down to get coffee in my building this morning, I met a new employee. His expertise is in maintenance, not cleaning. He has to troubleshoot daily. We leaned into a conversation.
Maybe older than he looks, he is experienced in working in large, commercial properties. Besides cordial greetings with a handshake, he gave me a figurative piece of a puzzle, and I gave him a piece of another one. Symbiotic relationships are important. He told me if I ever need something, to let him know. I feel confident I can lean on his knowledge. This is a residential property which I do love.
He told me it takes 6 to 8 months for the city inspectors to accomplish a task for which we have been waiting months already. City inspections take time. The time factor is not in my buildings control it would seem. We are about half way there. I learned more in that 5 minute converation than in most! He seems caring. And, one elevator ride explains why our third elevator is still down. Patience is tested even in small ways of first world inconvenience.
As we exited into the lobby. the music playing was a cover for Lean on Me. I told our concierge how I love the song. The original, written and sung by Bill Withers, is memorable. I "went back" to the summer between my junior and senior years in high school. This employee was not born when I first heard the lyrics.
Music and elevator rides make connections. Both offer a way to travel.
Lean on Me
https://youtu.be/fOZ-MySzAac?is=5orJpyO2QZl7Djmu
Lean on Me (lyrics)
https://youtu.be/Nx_D0VTHBag?is=HsqZ-G4vk2mOB0ch
I hope you can make a connection to this song then take the sentiment out with you into the real world. Pain, sorrow and hope are real.
I read at least the first few comments of the YT videos I post. These are not new videos. The first one has 16,000 comments. People share sentiments, memories and regrets. One commenter grieved the suicide death of a loved one.
Comments are written long after the posting. The second video explains in one comment "no man is an island". A baby boomer may have posted that!
Have you memories of leaning on, after you have leaned into a conversation?
A priest who has a YT channel cautioned about listening to music. He talked about connections to our souls. So I hope this songs lifts your spirits, past, present and future.
My motivation for writing started because a class of Courageous Cats leaned on me. They trusted me. They were named Courageous Cats for a reason known to me and, even though I did not realize it at the start of that school year, known to God. To me, my father's symbol is a cat. (Long story!)
The first man I ever leaned on died on November 7, 1985. He was a father of many ages. I think we could trust leaning on him because he leaned in. He listened to the One we can trust above all others. He also was one of the first lay people to become a lector. I remember once he wept while reading from the ambo. He made it through.
I traveled down Memory Lane this morning with a little help....
Where are you journeying today? Who is with you?
Keep us from just singing.
May the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace.
From the Teacher's Desk with Love,
Marian R. Carlino
November 7, 2025