The holiday season often gets me down with all of the commercialism and the underlying sense of urgency of time and resources.

I would like to share with you my experience of this holiday season and yes, show how proud and honored I am to know one particular group of individuals. Seniors!

During the course of our work assisting the elders of our county we had the opportunity to assist two very special families. What makes families special to an organization that specializes in assisting the elderly? They are both families where the grandparent is raising small grandchildren.

The call for assistance came in mid-November. Together with the staff in the office, we notified our seniors of the opportunity to help, not only one of their own, but for the children as well.

The ladies that could knit started making mittens, hats and scarves; the local quilting group donated comfy and warm quilts for the children and those that could neither knit nor quilt donated their spare change to the Adopt a Grandchild fund. The word spread throughout the community.

Canned goods were donated from the local parochial school; toys, games and craft items were donated from other young people that had grown up in a single parent household, for they remembered. It was a truly inspiring thing to watch. I was reminded of the Native American saying that it takes a whole village to raise a child. How so very true.

I was humbled to watch the time worn hands of the ladies that were knitting and quilting lovingly made each stitch.

Being able to watch as these gifts were generously donated by those that live on a fixed income, with never a thought of what they may receive in return brought tears to my eyes. How very fortunate I am to have been a witness to the outpouring of love and caring from those that are often forgotten in the busy course of everyday life. Yes, I received a Gift of Peace and Unconditional Love, Gifts beyond measure.

So now, I pass it forward so that it may return full circle. Bless you seniors! You are a Blessing!

About the Author:
Rev. Lucinda Schersing, DD, is a Usui and Karuna Reiki Master that believes wholeheartedly in the basic Precepts of Reiki and the many meanings of the phrase, "We Are All Related". You may read more of her articles by visiting her website.