the reciprocity of gratitude
My family received a Thanksgiving dinner from Meals on Wheels shortly after my father died a decade ago. My hospice counselor asked, “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?” My response was a blank stare underscored by a seeping sigh. I didn’t know what the next 12 hours would bring; thinking about the impending holiday was impossible. My counselor; however, was five steps ahead of me. She knew the arranged meal would make it easy for my family to gather together.
On Thanksgiving morning, my doorbell rang. I opened the door and love and light entered in the form of two volunteers. They smiled, walked through my living room, and set the pre-cooked Turkey, vegetable sides, and a pumpkin pie on my kitchen counter. My mom, brothers, sisters-in-law, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews gathered later that afternoon.
My heart with filled with immense gratitude, for the donated turkey with all the trimmings brought us together on that crisp, sunny afternoon. Without the meal, we would have retreated to our solitary bubbles of melancholy.
I reflected on my teenage years when my parents and I delivered lunches for Meals on Wheels. One Sunday a month, we picked up neatly packed lunches and a delivery list from a nearby hospital. The recipient list read like the vital statistics on a hospital band—last name, first name, age, and health condition. Initially, my participation felt obligatory. Over time, obligation turned into anticipation. I looked forward to seeing one woman on our route in particular. When she opened her door, the afternoon light poured in and illuminated her smile. I placed her lunch on the kitchen counter and hugged her. After exchanging our final pleasantries, I bounded down the steps, hopped in the car, and readied myself for the next stop.
The meal my family and I received through the kindness of strangers made me understand more deeply the gift I gave to others years ago. Compassion, love, and lunch were delivered those Sunday afternoons when I placed my friend’s lunch on the counter and hugged her. That love was reciprocated when volunteers dropped off Thanksgiving dinner at my house. The delivery may have taken minutes but the impact has lasted a lifetime.
The reciprocity of gratitude is a continual cycle—we give, we receive, and each time, our hearts widen. These days, I’ve replaced my onsite meal deliveries with online food donations. I cherish the comfort food provides me and I am grateful to offer the same comfort to others.
What are you grateful for?
What brings you comfort?
How can you share your comfort with others?
