by Kelley N. Padgitt
Development Director, Jacksonville Bar Association
As I watched the Friday evening news, I was saddened to find that homes were being robbed and children’s toys stolen. They reported that a company had backed out of an obligation to provide 200 toys to Catholic Charities for underprivileged children. I thought about all of the blessings in my life and in the lives of those around me. This is the perfect time to count our blessing and reflect on the year as it ends.
Take time to remember those who are not with us at this special time of year and be thankful for those with who we are able to spend time and share our traditions. I am sure we all have a different way of celebrating the holiday, but I try to remember why I am celebrating and to be thankful for all the blessings which have been bestowed upon me and my entire family.
I am especially thankful for the opportunities that I have to share myself with those who are less fortunate. The Jacksonville Bar Association’s Holiday Project reminds me every year just how fortunate I am. I could go on and on telling stories of senior citizens who I have had the opportunity to deliver gifts to and how their stories have tugged my heartstrings. For example, last year I had the wonderful opportunity to deliver some of my gifts along side my husband. We pulled into the driveway of a small, tattered trailer on the Westside of town. As we knocked at the door, we looked at each other, realizing how lucky we truly are. An older man answered the door and was very surprised to see someone at his door bearing gifts. We had brought a basket of goodies, a small toaster oven, some slippers for him and his wife and a soft blanket. He told us that his wife was just too ill to come to the door, but he was sure that she would appreciate the gifts.
He shared with us that he was a veteran and even shared with us one of his stories from the war. He had also mentioned that he wasn’t much of a cook and his wife was bedridden, so Christmas dinner would be a can of soup that year. They have no family other than each other. As my husband and I bid him a farewell, we vowed to bring them a warm meal on Christmas Day and check on them occasionally. We did just that. Not only did they think it was the best gift of the day, it warmed our souls to be in the position to help someone feel special. Kevin even stops by their house and says hello once in a while. He stopped by last week to make sure their pipes wouldn’t bust with the first freeze of the winter.
While I have senior citizens I am delivering to this year, this very special couple is on our personal list this year. We are very lucky to have been able to help and they are absolutely lovely people. She is out of bed and getting around these days and will be able to cook dinner for the two of them. She told Kevin that they did not need for us to come on Christmas this year, but would love it if we would stop by.
Another example of the joy that we can all bring to others is of an older gentleman. I was delivering his gifts a few years ago. It was cold outside and Diane Gill and I were delivering together. We rang the doorbell and were greeted by an older man and his dog. They were both very feeble looking and I was so happy to be there to help. We were delivering the good old standby—a blanket, socks, and slippers along with a basket of food — fruits, cookies, a frozen chicken, a canned ham, hot chocolate, and various goodies. He thanked us and with tears in his eyes, he said “Now I will get to have Christmas dinner.” I walked out of his house with tears in my eyes, thinking how unfair it is that people live in these conditions, but feeling that I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to share the holiday spirit with this kind man. There are many other stories that I could share. I will have the wonderful opportunity to deliver gifts to senior citizens from Meals on Wheels again this year and will make many more memories. I will, as I hope you will, take time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and remember that we should all make time this holiday season for those who need a little help, or maybe just need a smile and a hug from someone who cares. Take that time and share of yourself — you might be surprised how good it makes you feel.