Thanks, Giving

November 25 is the 6-month anniversary of the automobile accident that led to a close brush with death for then-12 year old Bennie, and the ensuing months of care for him at Children’s and Gillette hospitals.

Nov. 11 we went over to see Bennie and family at home here in Woodbury.  He walked up the stairs, and down, unaided!  This first had occurred only recently.

I’ll let Caring Bridge take it from there, Mom Robin’s post, including video, went on-line this morning, Nov. 20, 2018.

There’s lots of road yet to travel for Ben and family, but what huge progress has been made.

Certainly, a time of Thanksgiving.

When the chips were down these last months, lots of circles went into action for Bennie and family.  This is what I am thankful for this year: not only for those circles, like Children’s and Gillettes, but every other individual and group that arrives unbidden on the scene when encouragement and help is needed.  “Families” like the Ronald McDonald House and its volunteer support come immediately to mind; CaringBridge, on, and on, and on, and on.  We are all vaguely aware of these angels of all sorts.  When the chips are down….

We are not alone, even when we think we are.

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Give yourself a treat sometime this week: free preview of the 60-minute version of the film The World Is My Country, access here.  Even those of you who have seen this film before, check this out.  This preview is of the shortened, one-hour version.  The film is about ready for full public release.  Yes, they’ll ask for a voluntary donation.  Contribute!

I went to “a place called home” concert on Sunday afternoon.  It was absolutely marvelous.  Here are a few pages of the program, beginning with the musical numbers, most of which can doubtless be accessed at YouTube: A Place Called Home001

Street Song MN (in blue) and Chorus Polaris (in black) Sun. Nov. 18, 2018 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Hopkins MN

After the performance, I wrote my cousin, Mary, one of Chorus Polaris, and Teri, Director of Street Song, that I had more than passing familiarity with personally getting too close to homeless myself.  The details are not relevant, though it goes back to well over 30 years ago when I was, paradoxically, on the corporate board of a major charity whose mission was and is to the homeless, among others.  During that time I heard a brief and very powerful talk by Mgsr Jerome Boxleitner, then head of Catholic Charities, on the topic here addressed.  His words speak powerfully.  You can read them here: Mgsr Boxleitner May 1982001.  I don’t take for granted the feelings of homeless people….

 

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Personally, sometime within the near future I’ll have a new experience: replacement of an aging aortic valve.  No date has been set, but probably within the month.  My life is normal: the usual two mile walk this morning, etc.  Thanks to the annual physicals I learned of this problem early – this is something I’d rather not be surprised by!

All best wishes to everyone.

 

4 replies
    • Greg
      Greg says:

      I am thankful for the wisdom and life experiences that Dick shares with all of his readers. I second his recommendation about our arteries, especially our abdominal and cranial aortas.

      Reply
  1. Jacquie
    Jacquie says:

    Thank you, Dick, for the update. Happy Thanksgiving and my prayers are with you. Thank you again for all your words of wisdom and encouragement and tireless effort to support others.

    Reply

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