Giving thanks is a good thing to do everyday. I am thankful for so many things but today I would like to share with you about an experience I recently went through that made me truly thankful. I have been blessed with good health for most of my life and so I have not spent much time around doctors or hospitals for my own personal health. However, this year I began to have some health problems that sent me to seek help from health professionals. I had to learn how to trust others with my life! This is no small task for me. Eventually, it became clear that I would need an operation to regain my health and so off I went to the hospital to literally put my life in the hands of a surgical team of doctors. I have to say that I was overwhelmed with the way that I was treated by complete strangers. Everyone that I encountered on this journey treated me with great kindness and compassion. I felt truly cared for in a way that I have never experienced before.
I wanted to show appreciation for the kindness and compassion that I received. So after healing up for a few weeks, I wrote a thank you to the nurses that took care of me and went back to the hospital to deliver them. Neither of the nurses were on duty at the time so I left the cards at the nurses station. I told the nurses on duty who the cards were for and I thanked them for all that they do for the strangers that come to them in need. I could see that they were moved by this small gesture.
A few weeks later it was time for me to go back to my doctor for a post-op visit. I wanted to say thank you to her in a meaningful way. So I gifted her a box that my husband, Bruce, had made. Bruce is a woodworker and has been learning and growing with his Native American friends for many years. This inspired him to start a nonprofit organization called Red Tail Woodworks. Through the years I have learned many great things from our local Native community and one of those things is the giving of gifts. Native people are gift givers! I have attended many Native events and been given many gifts. I am learning how to be a giver through these friends. When I gave the box to my doctor, I explained to her the meaning of the inlay on the top
of the box. It was a medicine wheel and has deep meaning for living a healthy life. When I finished speaking she said, "I need to give you a hug" (I have never had a doctor ask for a hug). I know that this small gift touched her deeply. Needless to say this was a very rewarding experience for me.
So in the spirit of giving I want to encourage you to get creative in your giving. Give to others in unexpected ways. We have so much to be thankful for in our lives. Don't miss the opportunity to show love and kindness through the expression of thanksgiving!
Red Tail Woodworks keeps its doors open through the generous support of donors. If you would like to donate your time or money to Red Tail Woodworks, you can find us at:
redtailwoodworks.org
