This Christmas I gave my nephew Anthony a tee shirt with his name and the word “University” after it with a college coat of arms. I thought it was a cool gift, and in fact, so cool that I gave the rest of the family one of their own as well. My dad especially liked it. When Anthony opened his, I realized that it was too small for him and as it was a custom order, it could not be returned or exchanged. Not only did the size run small but also he had developed a teenage muscular shape that I had forgotten about.
I talked with him privately and told him how sorry I was that I had gotten a shirt that was too small. After the third time I said it he looked me in the eye and said, “that’s okay Aunt Donna, I’m grateful that you gave it to me”.
It is not often that a 15 year old stops me in my tracks. The wisdom of this young man and the extent of his gratefulness instantly… brought a tear to my eye. Not only was I the proud aunt of this young lad but the proud Godmother as well. I remember holding him as an infant on the day of his Christening and standing there by his side at his Confirmation, holding the vision of him being a young man of character and living a life of service led by God’s own hand touching his heart. He was named after my grandfather and the family name Antonio back in Italy.When I looked up the origin of the name a smile came to me as I read “Godly, priceless”. Truly, Anthony was walking the talk.
I have taught many people the philosophy of “gratitude” and the “Law of the Universe” of being grateful. This time it appeared to me in this cotton tee shirt perhaps never to be worn by this young man. Being grateful comes with it the opportunity to receive more to be grateful for. A daily giving of thanks for what we have and more importantly, what is coming to us will yield a harvest of gifts. Of course, we will not know the timing of its arrival but they will be received.
Whether Anthony hangs up the shirt on the wall or squeezes into it will not really matter. What matters is that in his heart, he was able to know a truth about Christmas and of giving and receiving.
I learned that the gift of gratitude, unwrapped by this tender heart, displayed a simple message that when it comes to gratitude, one size fits all. May we all wear this truth on our hearts today at Christmas and always.
Merry Christmas.
Donna Marie Laino
I am the proud mother of Anthony displaying his gratitude, especially as a teenager in our society. That same time, we as a family were sharing, we later found out someone within our extended family circle had taken their life–a gift so precious. I pray that Anthony, and others his age, hold on to the true meaning of Christmas, only to learn that it’s not what’s in the wrapping, rather than what’s in our hearts.
Sue,
You are so right.
There is so much trouble in the youth today and so many easily accessible ways to escape. It is very upsetting.
Losing a 24 yr old is a tragedy both to the family and to our society. I believe in the philosophy that “it takes a village to raise a child” and it takes a community to support and nurture them. Each person is a contributing member to our society, culture and our world. In high school, I remember singing the song “Let There Be Peace on Earth”. It still brings tears to my eyes. We all want peace especially this time of year and many of us forget that it begins “with me”.
The youth needs so much support and as teenagers push their own parents away, they need mentoring from other adults. Common characteristics of youth executing Columbine type shootings include not having any mentors. One planned shooting was foiled at midnight the night before by a member in the group who was mentored by the last teacher added to “the hit list”.
I have seen Christmas mornings when gifts were unwrapped with a sad, disappointed face looking on a pile of presents. Yes Sue it is what is in our hearts that counts. It is clear that some hearts are empty despite the love that is given to them.
Let’s take on the challenge of mentoring our youth. It takes a village…..and it begins “with me”.
Donna Marie Laino