I am one who has passed up opportunities because I have found that they might be awkward or uncomfortable or I might call attention to myself, etc. The funny thing is my nature I am sensitive to other people's needs and I do want to be helpful and make a difference (I was a therapist in my previous existence before becoming a mother. I was good working with certain populations and diagnoses, other ones, not so much).
Last Wednesday I took my son to his session with the resource teacher at the public school. She is the cutest, nicest, friendliest young woman and her enthusiasm is really helping my son plod through the work (his minutes have doubled). Last week she looked so sad and downtrodden. I asked if she was sick, and she started to cry and said her best friend's son had just passed away. The little boy was named Noah and he was 3.5 and had been plagued with medical issues that he always managed to get through, just not this time.
To make matters even more confusing, Noah's mother had given birth eight days earlier to a baby girl named Hope. I went along through the days off and the weekend, enjoying my family and time, but I kept thinking about Noah's mom. I don't know her name, but I prayed for her.
Today I stopped by our parish's business office to touch base with the Religious Ed director that I work with. I asked for a prayer shawl; the women of the parish get together and knit shawls and scarves and pray for those who will use the shawl. I got one for Noah's mom and had our deacon pray over it. I had a green cloth bag in the car (a Zoo bag) and I put the prayer shawl in it and I drove over to the public school. The teacher happened to be helping decorate the office for the holidays. I asked if she would give the shawl to Noah's mom. She gave me a big hug and said she would. She also said the Noah's family is Catholic, as we are, and her friend would appreciate it.
I am glad I did this. I didn't know that the family was Catholic - not that it really matters, but I didn't want to offend. I picked a shawl that was colorful in jewel tones - something that was pretty, but not flashy. I really hope that Noah's mom feels as though it is a hug from God.
Don't know why I wanted to share this. It cost me nothing but my time to do this. If we all do what we think we should, I imagine the world would be a better place.
Doing the right thing
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I reached out to a friend I met recently. I wanted to offer her my extra turkey voucher I earned at the grocery store. I don't know why - I just felt right offering it to her. I coupon shop and have WAY too much food - offered her some fixins to go with it. She was so humbled and grateful. She had been praying over what to do for food next week! I had no idea. Catholic family with five kids. I am not religious, but I very much believe in sharing and giving. It's the least any of us can do if we have the means to do so. Your deed only took a little time and caring.
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