Mari Broman's "The Column"

Gratefulness - Pass It On

I have been married to a wonderful man for almost thirty-five years. We have sustained many economic challenges over those years given inflation, living in a state dependent on car manufacture, and both of us coming from working class families.
There was one particular Thanksgiving I won't ever forget. My husband had lost his job, unemployment was delayed, we had small children and the holiday was fast approaching the next weekend.
A couple knew of our hard times and showed up at our door step with a check to help us until the unemployment came and two bags of groceries and a big turkey.

I am afraid all I could do was say "thank you" with tears falling down my face. I had been very worried, and unsure how we would make it, as my job was basic and the pay was low. This couple told us of people coming together in there church to collect donations of food and money for needy families. They had collected enough small donations of cash and groceries to help several families and a turkey to go with each pair of grocery bags. So they put our name down as a family that needed some help. I don't think I will ever forget the feeling of unloading those groceries and putting food in the cupboard. Then having an actual turkey to bake and some money to get gas and other basic needs… Wow!!!

Fortunately, we have never been in that position since, and are so grateful to those strangers that donated and helped us then. As you are thinking of this story, I hope you will consider the thousands of needy families out there that have experienced hardships due to the severe weather we have had this fall. As well as the many people that may have been downsized right out of a job.

What could each one of us do to help just one family in need have some hope in a few bags of groceries and a turkey.?
When people are in what seem to be hopeless situations there are other people who come to their rescue and bring hope. That helps the struggling folks believe they can make life work again. That is really what the holiday season is for. We call it a season of hope - I know thanks to a very special couple and many strangers, their act of kindness brought us a new trust in others, and kindness and belief in ourselves that the sun was going to shine that Thanksgiving Day.

Be grateful for your bounty and give a person hope by sharing what you can. It will make you feel so good
and studies show a random act of kindness actually can lower your blood pressure.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!