A Contemplative Moment

Early this summer, our senior family members were invited to my brother and sister-in-law’s home to meet their first grandchild. She was born during the pandemic and few of us had the privilege of meeting her. On this special day, she was almost two years old and made her entrance in her mother’s arms following an afternoon nap.  She stayed close to her parents until she felt safe enough to wander around the large deck and meet the gang.

We enjoyed a wonderful July afternoon sipping cool drinks and catching up with family happenings. We watched with pride as the birthday girl opened her gifts: storybooks which she loves and a fluffy pale blue bunny that can no doubt be found in her crib these days.

Following a delicious summer supper, we continued to relax under the two large awnings.  Suddenly the sky became overcast, there was a thunderclap and rain began to sprinkle the deck.  Our little girl quietly stepped into the space between the awnings and opened her tiny hands to receive the falling drops.  All was silent as we watched the scene unfolding before us.  Obviously, this child in her pretty blue dress was experiencing a new and deep awareness of a special part of nature.  There she continued to stand, perfectly still, contemplating the raindrops meeting her being.

Image: Unsplash/Mike Kotsch

The rain fell slowly at first and then with increasing intensity until it suddenly poured.  She laughed and ran for shelter and her waiting grandpa. Suddenly, I realized that we had witnessed a profound contemplative moment, seen through the eyes of a child.

How much we take for granted in the everyday wonders of our world:  the beauty of summer, the change of seasons, the force of nature, a sudden cloudburst and the miracle of life and love portrayed in the blessing of our newest little family member.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

September Sixth, The First Day of School

Image: Unsplash/Deleece Cook

I recall my childhood experience in late August each year, of anticipating the start of a new school year. I eagerly longed to see my classmates, anticipated being elevated to a new grade, and meet my new teacher.  On September 6, 2022, thousands of children in the London area will arrive at school proudly displaying new shoes, new clothes, and colorful backpacks full of such supplies as crayons, pencils, erasers, and notebooks. They will be eager to begin their experience of a new school year.  But not all children will have a backpack; some will endure the humiliation of “making do” with worn clothing and a lack of all the items listed as “essential supplies” by their schools. Parents will suffer with their children. However, our City of London responds to the needs of children and there is a community-wide effort to ensure that no child will be deprived of school supplies.  

In 2001, Natalie Trimble and Chantal McLaughlin started” Supplies for Schools” in their basement. This nascent program has evolved into “Best First Day”, a community-wide drive to donate school supplies to children in need. United Way Elgin Middlesex, Thames Valley Education Foundation, and The Salvation Army coordinate this drive, which, in 2021, donated nearly 3,200 backpacks full of supplies to students of all ages in London’s school districts. Backpacks and supplies are distributed to public, Catholic, and Indigenous schools. Donors may purchase supplies online, participate in workplace collections, or leave supplies at a drop-off location until September 2nd. Several businesses have chosen to become drop-off locations.  Individuals have given supplies, or sometimes formed teams to collect and donate money or supplies to this project. Donors may, if they choose, select particular schools as recipients for their contributions; the donated backpacks and other supplies will be distributed through the Thames Valley Education Foundation.  

If you wish more information about how you might help children in need to have a happy and successful educational experience, you will find an excellent source of information by visiting: Best First Day.

Sister Pat McKeon, CSJ