I grew up always hearing that its better to give than to receive, that was my Catholic upbringing. I prefer to be on the giving side of things: afterall isn’t that what its all about? 16 years of Catholic school education….you get the picture.

Oh sure I’ve read lots of books about sharing your gifts with the world and it’s in giving that we receive with total emphasis on giving.

This year I have learned a great deal about being on the other end – the end of receiving. And let me tell you there is no greater gift to give yourself than the gift of receiving.
Moving to Arizona in the summer of 2010 was the fulfillment of a dream come true. But it wasn’t short of life’s hiccups. I have had many humbling experiences lately and its enabled me to grow in ways I never knew possible.

I attended mass on Father’s Day with a heavy heart. My Dad is fighting terminal brain cancer and he lives in NY. I set the intention before going to mass for a sense of peace for me and healing for my Dad.

The sermon by the priest started off …………..a true story about a 5 year old boy who was born blind & the parish who raised money for him to have surgery to restore his vision. The boy and his parents traveled to Massachusetts for the surgery. The young boy was known for carrying around a teddy bear that never left his side. The bear was described as “Flea-ridden” his left eye was hanging by a prayer, an ear had been bitten off and stuffing regularly was being stuffed into the bear’s right side. The bear accompanied the boy throughout the pre-op and doctor meetings. The boy’s mom had offered to replace the bear with a “Build a Bear” but the young boy wouldn’t have it!! The surgeon made sure that the bear was placed as close to the boy as possible during the surgery – ensuring it would be placed in his bed during recovery so that he would find it upon waking.

The surgery went as planned and the family was to return back to the hospital after several days for the removal of the bandages. The big day finally arrived and as soon as the bandages were removed the boy clutching his bear began to sob !! Can you imagine the 1st time he saw his parents and the world after 5 long years of living in the dark!!! He was crying tears of joy running into the arms of his parents!!! He was finally introduced to the surgeon who was responsible for giving him his sight – he was overwhelmed with gratitude and asked the doctor “How can I pay you for giving me my sight – it must have cost a lot of money” the little boy handed him his beloved teddy bear. The doctor smiled and thanked the little boy. Can you imagine how the Dr felt when the boy gave his most beloved treasure??? By graciously receiving the gift the Dr made the little boy feel like a million bucks!!!

The doctor placed the teddy bear in a glass case with a plague that reads “Here is the greatest amount of money I have ever received for a medical procedure.” And it’s dated. It still stands today in the hospital. it was in accepting this gift that the dr received the biggest gift of all – that of receiving.

This story brought me to tears during the homily. I had an “aha” moment – at 48yrs of age I finally got the true meaning of receiving. Its not giving in that we receive as much as it’s receiving with an open heart. Let the giver experience the gift of giving!!! Honestly until you have received you haven’t truly learned to give.

Happy Saturday!!!