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Gratitude and Giving Can Change the World
©2011 Deborah Beasley ACPI CCPF
“When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world. “ Unknown Author
This holiday season Together At Last Family Support and the Mommy Mentors Program were privileged to bring gifts of new toys, clothing, and gift cards to the 11 children and five families participating in the program. Leona Rose, RN and I wrapped and delivered the packages two days before Christmas to the surprise and squeals of the children. Each child received three toys, winter hats, gloves, and scarves. The parents received gift cards to area clothing stores.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all those who helped in this endeavor. Most especially I thank Roger Garrison, youth minister of the Aldine United Methodist Church in Elmer, and his entire youth group who collected the items and allowed me to choose whatever I thought the families would need. Roger embodies the words of Mahatma Gandhi; “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
My personal gratitude also goes to all the others who gave through monetary donation, time and effort to make a joyous Christmas possible for these parents and children.
Leona Rose
Marcellus Beasley
Nick Thompson
Bill Thompson
Philip Beasley
They make true the words; “If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.”
There is a French proverb which says: “Gratitude is the memory of the heart.”
A small kindness which brings a smile
A heart lifted with the comforting presence of another by your side
A downcast spirit lightened by a loved one’s strength
Joy in a mothers heart watching her child open their holiday gifts
The light of pure delight and wonder on a child’s face when they see those gifts
If gratitude is the memory of the heart, then memories to last a lifetime were made this Christmas holiday for those who gave and those who received. As the old man in the story above found that if he changed himself for the better he could change the world, we have come closer to realizing that through the generosity of giving and the gratitude of receiving, we can indeed change the world.
All images used with permission.