The Widow.

Yesterday, in the bitter cold evening weather of southern New Hampshire, I participated in a bell ringing for the Salvation Army. I was assigned a partner for the job, but ended up having to go solo. A bell in each hand, I had the power to attract lots of ears. Honestly, I wasn't expecting Walgreen's to be so packed. For the first five minutes, I felt cold and numb. All I wanted was for my shift to end, so that I could go inside and warm myself. But, then something strange happened to me. An elderly woman- with a black jacket, hat, purse, gloves, you name it- came out of no where, and approached me. Her first words were "You know son, I just have to tell you a story". She proceeded to tell me the story of how her husband, who passed away some years ago, fought in World War One. Chemical warfare nearly took his life when he was gassed and made unconscious in the front-line trenches. When down, he was trampled by horses. Every Christmas, he would tell her the story of how the only thing that kept him going in the days after his incident was the hot chocolate provided by the Salvation Army. Bell ringings and donations could have saved that man's life for all I know. She finished her story with a quick "God bless you son, you've got it right," and walked away, smiling. I will never see this woman again, but her story is something I will not forget. What are the chances that this elderly woman would end up at a Keene, NH Walgreen's at 2:30, and run into me? Immediately after hearing her story, my mind was sent into a state of wonder- I felt like I could stand out there in the cold all day. I spent my remaining time thinking about how the world works. How connections are made between us across the ocean by such simple things as ringing a bell for change. During this Christmas season, everyone should realize, or make an effort to realize, we need change. Not pocket change, of course, but change in the form of changing lives. Americans have spent FIFTEEN BILLION dollars on Christmas gifts this weekend alone (Maybe a little less due to the East coast being rocked by blizzard weather, but a lot nonetheless). Fifteen billion into gifts for those who are already content, and yet those 3.5 million homeless in our country are starving and without gifts. I just can't understand. Yes, I receive gifts, but do I need them? No. I'm not even close to needing them. But, I am thankful I can receive them. I'm not trying to say we need to change our culture of gifting each other, but I think if we are going to keep our traditions, everyone should try to contribute to those who really need it. A tradition of helping others, maybe? Ringing a bell wasn't much on my part, but if I did that and more every year, I am bound to be providing hot chocolate somewhere. So thank you, lonely widow- you have inspired me. Merry Christmas to you.