She is locked into an immobile world, unable to move or speak. But her mind is active, her eyes expressive. She understands all that is said and she feels, deeply, both joy and sorrow. Gently nursed and lovingly cared for, she can look forward to each day and even more to the evening.
At sundown, her neighbour comes across to spend an hour with her, to read the day’s news, pray the rosary and share the happenings of her own day. Having lived side by side for over forty years they have supported each other’s families through birth, marriages, illness and death. Life’s milestones. They each know the other as they would themselves. And the affection is mutual.
Sometimes, they are joined by a third and a fourth and then the conversation turns lively – a conversation kept as inclusive as possible so that she can participate as the listener. Sometimes mirth overflows and she can laugh with them too. Being included, being loved can do more than the best medicine; they may not cure but they make life worth the living.
Here is a home, here is one who is visited, here are wise friends who bring themselves and their very special gift: the gift of time. In today’s terms, priceless. Gold, frankincense and myrrh rolled into one.
Given the time of year, it is but natural that the Magi come to mind. As does O Henry’s story that has survived generations and still mists up the eyes; a story that reminds us that there is a special ‘wisdom’ in the simple act of giving with love. For, “… all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.”
And, she also gives who sits, listens, smiles and silently gives thanks in her heart.
And the sharing of this experience is also a gift: my gift to you. May it lift your spirit and gladden your heart. And may you, too, experience the joy of giving and receiving in the year ahead.
