Gift People
This forum is a hall-of-fame for people who are gifts in our lives and fill us with gratitude. Here you have an audience of thousands before whom to praise the grandparent who taught you more than any other teacher; an actor, a singer, a writer who inspired you; or maybe a person whose name you never knew, whom you met only once, and to whom you will be grateful forever. Of course you may also want to comment on the Gift People featured on this site or on other favorite saints and heroes.

I am so grateful to the Disaster & Emergency Service workers who are working diligently at the WTC and the Pentagon under such impossible circumstances. They are truly our heros.
- RL, Upstate New York, USA   23 Sep 2001

I am so grateful for the dear friends who rallied 'round me on Sept 15th - my birthday. It was such a tough time to have a birthday. The world felt so full of grief and fear. My friends surrounded me with love, affection, music, laughter and treats. They helped me celebrate the gift of my life - and of all life. They were my heros that day when I wasn't sure I was up for celebrating. They gave me the best birthday ever.
- PG, Toronto, Canada   25 Sep 2001

My heroine is Representative Barbara Lee, Democrat from California, who after agonizing deliberation cast the one dissenting vote, in all of the United States Congress, against giving President Bush blanket authority to exert military force against terrorism. Stating that "far too many innocent people have already died," she called for cautious reflection on any actions we take in response to September 11th events, lest the cycle of violence should spin out of control. She also wisely recognized that a period of mourning isn't necessarily the time when people -- or a nation -- are able to make their most clear-headed decisions. You can read her entire statement under "The Lone Dissenter" at www.Gratefulness.org/statements. It took tremendous courage for Representative Lee to follow her conscience against such a fierce tide in the opposite direction, and yet she alone in Congress spoke for thousands of Americans, myself included.
- Amita Rose, New York, USA   26 Sep 2001

I don't even know their names. A mother and father of a girl who was killed on Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon. I was moved to see how they were living with the horror of their child dying in that crash. She was apparently travelling by herself. Through their very strong Christian faith their grief was buffered and transcended by a grace that gave them 'a strange and deep peace' over their loss. They knew they were only temporary guardians of 'God's flower' that was called back. They were adamant that there shouldn't be a violent retaliation against the Taliban regime. 'That would not ease anyone's suffering' the father said, and they felt it was imperative a peaceful means for bringing justice was required. The spiritual stance this fine couple have taken in the crucible of life is a beautiful example for all of us.
- Audrey, Austin, TX   26 Sep 2001

I am grateful for God's love and my faith that He will guide our leaders in their quest to rid the world of the demons of terrorism. I am grateful for all the brave men & women who put their lives in danger daily to protect our lives and our Liberty. God Speed.
- D, USA   8 Oct 2001

I am grateful for my precious friend, Sister Ruth Maher, an 86 year old Daughter of Charity. She is the most positive person I know. No matter how down I may get, "Ruthie" can give me a reason to be grateful. I am blessed to have her in my life.
- cc, Conshohocken,PA - USA   11 Oct 2001

He is a professor of education. If that is all that is said of him, it will be enough. Professor Wahab is Afghan. I first encountered him by reputation only in the early 90’s as I studied for my master’s degree. I was unlucky and never had him as teacher, formally that is. Ten years ago another war was waged in his country. His brother had sent his wife and children to the relative safety of Pakistan. No one knows what happened to him after he was escorted away. Professor Wahab, a bachelor, accepted and adopted his six nephews and nieces. The college community helped in the transition. Students tutored the children in English. So successful were they that a year later, in 1992, when one of the youngest girls was a student in my 7th grade health class language was not a problem. Last spring our local newspaper featured him in an article. He was going back to Afghanistan to visit and help his home village. His nieces and nephews are grown and starting careers or are in college now. The featured picture was not of a stuffy college professor but that of a middle aged man pushing a broom over the gym floor at a local community center. The money earned as the early morning janitor was sent home. His simplicity, humility and spirit of service lectured me with a strong gentleness. Truly, he was a servant leader. Now this soft-spoken man has another message and example to set for his students. I’ve listened because he has earned credibility with me by the way he lives his life. The message is one that is hard to hear for many, right now. So clouded in grief and anger that ears and heart are possibly closed. He is trying to put a face on the people of Afghanistan. He and his younger brother have spoken in forums locally. An exhibition of photos, family photos, of their region and people currently is showing at another local university. Speaking from the heart they remind that the suffering is not exclusive. And that much rebuilding will be needed on both sides and justice and mercy must kiss. This student has been given a rare gift. This man is what he teaches and I can now say that I’ve been a student of Professor Wahab.
- Cheryl F. M, Portland, Oregon   13 Oct 2001

I am grateful for my dearest friend, Andrew, who came back into my life about a year ago. He has overcome many, many obstacles in his life that would have caused another person to become an angry, bitter and hateful human being. Yet, he has chosen to live his life by spreading kindness and the love of Jesus by his simple and genuine spirituality. He is a great man among men and I feel honored and blessed to have him in my life and I consider him to be my best friend in the world.
- PK, Troy, Michigan   16 Oct 2001

With gratitude for the therapy dogs who serve with love and devotion, helping to lift the spirits and lighten the hearts of so many weary rescue and emergency workers. And to their people, who have the wisdom to share our most precious gift through these animals - love. Peace to all Creation.
- June, Florida Keeshond Rescue, Jacksonville   17 Oct 2001

My dear friend, Susan, has been struggling with late stage cancer for almost two years now. Journeying with her has been a tremendous blessing in my life and a tremendous challenge to remain grateful. She has never lost her faith and is a most incredible witness to her family, friends, and to others with cancer. Please add her to your list of prayers.
- R.T., Illinois   24 Oct 2001

I am grateful to Richard Gere, who spoke during the recent all-star rock concert to benefit the NYC victims and their families, and to honor the firefighters, police, EMS personnel, and others who bravely and selflessly work to recover the bodies of the victims. Gere said that the compassion exemplified by so many working at the WTC site for their fellow colleagues and friends, needs to be extended by all of us in a widening circle to cover all people in the entire world. A true and beautiful sentiment and supremely practical attitude. However, when Gere said this, he was widely booed by the audience. He acknowledged that the sentiment was not popular and graciously accepted where the crowd was at. He said the important thing now was to honor those who did show compassion toward their fellow brothers and sisters during the WTC rescue and recovery. I admire Gere for bringing up this necessary, albeit unpopular spiritual move forward to brake out of the separatist circle of US vs. THEM mentality. Though in the moment of the audience's mood of bellicose nationalism, his comments were derided, perhaps in some audience members, some seed was planted for further reflection.
- J.B., Peekskill, NY   24 Oct 2001

I am grateful for my beloved spiritual master, Sri Swami Satchidananda, at whose feet(figuratively) I have been for the last 30 years. His teachings have made me who I am today and I would like to honor him for taking us all as his children. His speech on 9/11 is found on yogaville.org. It is worth reading.
- sumati joyce, clearwater, fl   27 Oct 2001