A Note From Brigitte

Several years ago I had the great pleasure of meeting a woman named Brigitte when she came to our house for a holiday party. We hosted the party for the folks who worked at St. Anne's Child and Family Center. My wife Lee is the Director there, and Brigitte was one of the child care staff employed at the Center. Brigitte worked in the infant room, caring for the babies. I had seen her before at the Center, but hadn't had the opportunity to talk with her before that night. We had a nice conversation as we all shared the food, potluck style. I learned a little about her, and later, my wife filled in a few other details.

The party included a gift exchange where you draw names to select unmarked gifts and have the option to take a gift already opened by someone else. You know the game. Brigitte's contribution to the gift pool was a wooden sculpture of a female African figure carrying water. It was a very popular item once revealed and was "stolen" a couple of times. It was in my hands at one point, but only briefly. I didn't end up with it by the end of the game, but I told Brigitte how beautiful it was, and that I wished I'd been able to hold on to it. But it was all good natured fun and the eventual owner was well pleased too.

All of us knew this was kind of special because it was Brigitte who brought it. It was very much a symbol of her. Brigitte is not African American- she is African. She came to this country as a political refugee with the assistance of Catholic Charity's Refugee Program. She comes from one of those small countries in western Africa where governments change with the seasons and the worst sorts of human atrocities occur with regularity at the hands of outlaw regimes. Refugees from that part of the world come here, if they're fortunate, to escape imprisonment, torture, and death. Just having her here with us seemed a triumph.

Brigitte looked to be about my age. She has a tremendous smile and a very warm personal appeal. She was also somewhat reserved and it was apparent she came from a culture that valued politeness and respect of others, with no hint at all of brashness. She expressed sincere gratitude for everything, and laughed easily. But there was also a real sadness behind her eyes as one might expect from such a harrowing life. I learned later that she was working with the government and agencies to get her son out of her country and reunited with her. I don't know her son's age- but suspect he wasn't real young, making it even harder to get him out. I could not imagine what it must be like to be driven from your homeland- in fear for your life, transplanted half a world away- knowing no one, and being separated and out of touch from your own son. Yet this woman was in my house-grateful to be enjoying this night with us.

After that night, I would see Brigitte at the Center occasionally and she always greeted me very warmly. I would return her smile, inquire about her, and always get a positive report. She was always friendly and gracious. A couple of years went by since the holiday party at our house and the Center did different events for the holidays- none at our house after that first one. But Lee came home one night just before Christmas, a couple of years after the house party, with a package for me, saying it was from Brigitte. I couldn't imagine what this was. I opened it to find a small brass sculpture of an African female figure carrying water. There was a handwritten note to me inside that read:

In the countries of Jahel close to the desert,

people go far to draw some water.

Can you imagine their happiness

when they find water and can draw it.

Have a wonderful holiday season.

Brigitte

I was so struck by this gesture. That this woman, who had virtually nothing, took the time to remember me with this kindness, is an act I will never forget. The note is framed and hangs on the wall above my desk at home, with the brass figure right beside it. Each time I feel as if I don't have enough- of anything- I read this note to remember that in some parts of the world, and for too many people, the simple act of finding and drawing water brings such joy and happiness.

As we approach this Thanksgiving  Holiday, with all the traditional excesses,  the note from Brigitte serves as a reminder to be thankful for the simple, basic things in life. I think many of us, in this country, don't take the time to realize how difficult life can be for others. In America we are facing very difficult times and, even here in the richest country in the world, more of our people are falling into poverty every day. But around the world, many people face more extreme conditions and challenges than we can even conceive of. So this year I'm going to read Brigitte's note, focus my thankfulness on family, friends and basic comforts-  and take a drink of water with gratitude to Brigitte.

Have a good Thanksgiving - and thanks for looking in.