Generosity

A few weeks ago, at daily mass, this older woman approached me. She spoke only Spanish, but basically told me that I had beautiful children. She said something about her granddaughter, but I wasn't able to completely understand. She was very kind, gave me a hug, and went on her way.

On Mother's Day, after mass, she approached me with a large Nordstrom's shopping bag in hand. Her daughter was with her and acted as interpreter. She said that she had some things for my girls. She handed me the very full, very heavy bag. Her daughter said that the woman was a seamstress, so there may be some handmade items. I thanked her profusely - I love getting hand me downs for the kids! She asked me to pray for her, and to pray for her first great-grandchild who is going to be born in a few months. I assured her that I would pray for her, wished her a Happy Mother's day, and we said our good-bye's and went our separate ways.

When I arrived home, Sophia was itching to look and see if there was anything for her inside the bag. I was shocked at what we found. On top of the pile, there was a beautifully handmade pink dress for Vibiana. As we continued through the items, we discovered a few hand me downs in Vibiana's size. Very nice dresses and a couple of jackets. The rest of the items were brand new. Some were for Sophia and some were for Vibiana. They all still had tags, with the price removed. There were pajamas, socks, shoes, shirts and even a few toys for Sophia.

The extent of this woman's generosity, a woman whose name I don't even know, moved me to tears. To be on the receiving end of such generosity is a humbling experience. It also helps me to remember to appreciate how blessed we are to be in our parish. I grew up Catholic, and never would something like this have happened in our parish. This, for me, was a beautiful example of true Christian charity, love, and community. I pray that I will be able to take these gifts and bestow them on the others that I encounter.

May God bless this wonderful woman and may He bestow His blessing upon her unborn great-grandchild.