Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year to reflect on how much we have to be thankful for.
When I was 15 years younger, I lived a few years in Argentina. I still remember well a visit I made on one cold, grey afternoon to a single mother and her young daughter, Marisol. Their small home—one room—was a drafty 12 X 12 foot structure, with a bookcase shelf of all their belongings along one wall, and one shared bed in the middle. An old stove crowded the humble home along another wall, which I imagine was used mostly to cook torta frita, a type of fried bread made inexpensively from water, flour, salt, and lard. Food was a precious commodity within these walls, and special treats—candies, bubble gum, lollipops—were a delicacy, reserved for only the most important moments.
During my visit, I learned that Marisol was celebrating her 11th birthday that very day. But, from what I could see, there was no cake, no single candle, no party horn, and I suppose, only a meager gift from her mom to celebrate her special cumpleaños. In honor of her birthday, I thought, “What can I give?”
At the time, I regularly carried a small bag of candy with me, purchased from any local Kiosko, at a total cost of about .80 cents. Eighty cents in my life of good fortune was insignificant and relatively meaningless, and I knew I could simply go to another Kiosko later in the day for more candy if I really wanted. It wasn’t much, but it was all I had.
Without much thought, I retrieved my tiny stash of candy, presented it to Marisol, and let out the English version of a jovial song that moved with light-heartedness through the cool air: “Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday…dear Marisol…” I looked at her eyes and noticed she was crying… my voice choked and crackled a bit…“Happy Birthday… to you.” With my song finished, the silence lingered. The quiet and special celebration was only disrupted by Marisol’s sweet, sniffling voice… “Gracias…Gracias…Gracias.”
Inside those humble walls that didn’t provide much physical warmth, I felt a warmth inside of me that no walls, no matter how lavish or extravagant, could ever provide. Marisol felt special, she felt loved, and she felt cared-for…all for about .80 cents, and a birthday song in English.
We have much to be thankful for and many opportunities to serve those around us. I hope this Holiday season is a time of giving, a time of sharing, and a time to express gratitude to one another. I hope we can acknowledge the privileged circumstances we live in, and actively seek opportunities to help those around us who may not enjoy such fortunate conditions. Happy Thanksgiving!