Perhaps it is the upcoming holiday season, or just an outpouring of recent touching experiences, but either way, Thanksgiving seems to mean a little more this year. I have many things for which to be thankful. My family, friends, neighbors and community; they all make my life wonderful. Sure, I get frustrated or aggravated at times, but after a few eyeopening experiences this past week, my heart is again full of thanks.
Last Thursday was Old Newsboys days and as we have done for the past 4 years, my daughter Katy and I manned our corner at Rock Hill and Laclede Station Road, by the entrance to Forest Haven. I wasn't quite sure how we would do this year with the economy the way it is, but I am very happy to say we made $260 which was $10 more than last year. We always try to make more than we did the year before and we succeeded again this year. We see a lot of the same people from year to year, with residents leaving Forest Haven our best supporters. However, many strangers traveling to work stop along the way and donate what they can. We receive anywhere from $20 bills to loose change. And the donors come from every economic background. One lady pulled up and waved at me wanting a paper. When I got to her window, she motioned for me to open her door because her window wouldn't go down. Her car was very old and it occurred to me that she probably could use financial help herself but yet she gave me a dollar for the charity. It is amazing, some people are just as in need as those for whom we are raising funds, yet they are right there to help, no questions asked, and without solicitation. A simple act of kindness, going a very long way.
My Husband is on the Board of the St. Anthony's Charitable Foundation and Saturday night was their largest fundraising event of the year. Every year they present the Spirit of St. Anthony’s Awards, which includes an humanitarian award to someone who has gone far and beyond the call of duty. The recipient this year was Peggy McDonnell, a nurse with 26 years experience, and, while that is reason to award her, it doesn’t even touch on Peggy’s work. In 15 years, the McDonnell’s have opened their home to 65 foster children, in addition to 6 biological and 5 adoptive children. It amazes me that someone would be able to do something like that, the sacrifices you would have to make. Can you imagine the expense of food and clothing, the time needed to help each one with homework, or the emotional loss when it is time for a child to move on? Yet, they bring each child into a loving, safe, and warm home with the promise of a better future for each one. They have a very strong faith in God, and with His help, they have managed to help these children through some very difficult times and turn their lives around.
These two experiences warmed my heart. They reminded me that there are many people out there doing things of various magnitudes, all to help others, often strangers. I keep thinking about this, and, as is often the case, one more thing happened that made the message even more clear. A friend of mine sent me an email this morning. It links to a short video called the "The Power of Kindness," and it is something I wish everyone would watch because it is so true. I know people have a lot going on in their lives and you get wrapped up in your own world, but showing acts of kindness to people can bring joy to your life. The ways to show kindness are big and small. They can impact one life or many. They can make someone’s day a little better or give them a better future. Open up your heart, let it promote love and goodness to others, and good things will follow. Most importantly, make your life by what you give, and not what you can get in return. I hope that as we begin to celebrate this wonderful time of year we can all show someone a simple act of kindness and be thankful to everyone who shows us a little kindness. I bet it will make you feel better, it certainly does me.