This quote sits on the window sill above my kitchen sink. A small prayer card that has been sprinkled by water splashing up from the sink and has floated down to the floor on many an occasion only to be picked up and placed back on the window sill by me or one of my family members. I have kept it there for years because it is a daily reminder to be thankful and take a moment to appreciate all the blessings in my life, not just when something unfortunate reminds me to do so. As my Sixth Grade Faith Formation group arrived on Sunday to complete our project of delivering Thanksgiving baskets to homebound parishioners, we gathered around my kitchen table and sorted through the items they had brought with them. We talked about Thanksgiving for a little while, most of them realizing that it is a day that means more than pilgrims and turkey. We each named some of our blessings and then I shared my prayer card with the group, discussing gratitude and the importance of counting our blessings every day-not only on special occasions or when we were in need. As we filled the baskets with goodies, we talked about what we might encounter when we met with Ms. Rita Walsh, one of the recipients we were going to meet. Some thought she might be shy, some thought she might be feeble or even in a wheelchair. As a group I think we envisioned someone very old and frail. As the children tumbled up Ms. Walsh’s stairs carrying the goodies, a woman with a bright smile appeared at the door. She welcomed us into her home and the conversations began. Ms. Walsh was pleasant and very happy to chat with the children. She asked us a lot of questions and the children asked her questions too. She thanked us over and over again. Needless to say, Ms. Walsh was nothing like we had envisioned. She talked to the children about being a little sad she couldn’t get around like she used to but then quickly talked about how wonderful St. Agatha’s Parish is and how meaningful this experience was for her. She said she felt blessed and thankful for what she could still do and the fact that she was able to stay in her home. Towards the end of our visit her age came up…I was shocked to learn she was 92 years old! She honestly appeared to be about 70 years old. She was so sharp, witty and had a true zest for life. As we bid farewell and tumbled back out the door I glanced back and saw her wave to the group and smile warmly as she closed the door. Thank you Ms. Walsh for sharing with us the true meaning of Thanksgiving and for reminding us what gratitude looks like.
Mary Kinsella Scannell
Catechist |
