Building Bridges
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It happened long ago. A terrible storm came through the Irish village, the waters rose, and they swept the child of a prominent citizen away. In desperation, he sought help from the people of the village and fortunately the found the child alive downstream. The father was profoundly grateful and built a much-needed bridge to express his gratitude. Years later, I stood fishing in the waters beneath the bridge and marveled at his gratitude that has echoed through the ages. It made me think of others and how they expressed their thanks:
There was the successful businessman who was born with a faulty heart. As his condition worsened, he was told he would not live without a transplant. Fortunately, he received a new heart (literally and metaphorically) and decided to express his gratitude to two organizations: the hospital that gave him the heart and the school that loved his grandchildren. For the latter, he gave the lead gift for a chapel. It was a thank you note that would last for ages.
I was reminded of the mother who almost lost two of her children (and her sister and three nieces) in a horrific car accident. Doctors who were friends of the family rushed to help, each doing whatever he or she could. In time, everyone survived and the mother sought a way to express her gratefulness. She volunteered at the hospital for many years. It’s my way of saying thanks,” she said to her children.
Then there was the child who messed up in school. Summoned to the Head of School’s office with his parents, he expected to be expelled. Instead, the Head of School said he was going to make an exception and gave the student a second (last) chance. The student made the most of it and became a leader in the classroom, on the playing fields, and in the dorm. “Thank you,” he said softly when he crossed the graduation stage while receiving the school’s highest honor. “You’ve said it in many ways,” the Head of School replied.
Although I was an unsuccessful fishing that day in Ireland, I caught a moment in Irish history and it’s meant more to me than any fish. Our lives are full of blessings. The question is, do we express our thanks in a lasting, meaningful way?
