
‘Tis the time of year to think about gratitude. Gratitude always reminds me of the time I spent volunteering at Our Daily Bread in Over-the-Rhine, downtown Cincinnati, in 2006. Our Daily Bread provides a warm meal, social services and socialization for neighborhood residents.
You know from some of my recent posts about Cincinnati that Over-the-Rhine is making a resurgence and that Mark and I frequently visit the local restaurants or entertainment venues there now. But in 2006, it could still a bit rough in some parts of the neighborhood at times. What follows is a short op-ed I wrote, submitted, and was published in “Your Voice” in the Cincinnati Enquirer, December 24, 2006.
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Guardian Angels in Over the Rhine
Guardian angels come from unexpected places.
This fall I volunteered at Our Daily Bread in Over the Rhine where I met Ted, a well-liked and regular guest.
“I am 75 years old and proud of it,” Ted claims. He has a limp that he acquired from a war wound in Vietnam and walks slowly with a wooden cane. A long black rosary hangs around his neck and a royal blue ball cap rests on his head with his wiry gray hair sticking out of the bottom. Ted’s eyes are brown and his smile is genuine. He has street smarts and is quick to laugh during conversations.
Ted’s financial difficulties come from the fact that he’s an alcoholic and has made bad choices in the past.
As I was leaving Our Daily Bread that day I witnessed a fight. One man was pressed up against a car yelling, “Help! Call the police.” People were standing around on the sidewalks just watching.
When the men separated and I saw the gleam of a knife in one of their hands, I hurried back inside Our Daily Bread to get help. A few minutes later the situation diffused itself as one of the men left.
The following week I spoke with Ted again. I asked him why nobody wanted to do anything to help this guy who was taking a beating. The people, Ted said, “Don’t care. Don’t want to be involved.”
“If I was in trouble, do you think someone would help me?” I asked him.
“I would,” he said.
As I was getting ready to leave, Ted asked, “Are you going to be all right?”
“I’ll be fine,” I said.
He stood up and started walking behind me. He wanted to know where I had parked. I reassured him that my car was just across the street and a few car-lengths away. He continued with me as I went outside. He stood there on the corner on that chilly autumn day and watched me get into my car and drive away.
I smiled as I thought, “What is Ted going to do, at his age and with his disability, if I need help?” And then I felt my eyes begin to fill with tears at his noble gesture.
Ted returned my wave as I drove past, then he turned around and slowly walked back into the soup kitchen on a corner in Over the Rhine.
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I mention Ted’s story today when I want to remind everyone of gratitude, because on any given day you could ask Ted, “How are you?” and without fail, he would answer, “I’m blessed.”
As my American friends are getting ready to celebrate a day of Thanksgiving, and for my international friends for who it is always a good idea to remember and be grateful, I thought I would leave a couple of “Pocket Positives” from another one of my little books:
“I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.” ~ Sir Winston Churchill, British Statesman, Prime Minister and Writer
“I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can’t make it through one door; I’ll go through another door — or I’ll make a door: Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.” ~ Joan Rivers, American Comedian
“May I a small house, and large garden have. And a few Friends, and many Books, both true, both wise, and both delightful too.” ~ Abraham Cowley, English Poet
“How to be happy when you are miserable. Plant Japanese poppies with cornflowers and mignonette, and set out the petunias among the sweet-peas so they shall scent each other. See the sweet-peas coming up.”~ Rumer Godden, English Writer
I give thanks for parents who raised me, a husband who loves and supports me, children who enrich my life, a little dog who keeps me company and all of nature that surprises and thrills me, friends who lighten my spirits, and all of you for sharing this time of your life with me. Happy Thanksgiving.
Hi Christine .. Ted has his pride of being a man and escorting you to your car .. that shows he still has it – despite the alcohol … great story
We should be very grateful for our lot … if ever we take time to think and work out why – some of us do … sadly many don’t … so pleased you’re giving back and helping out whenever possible – and I love the look of Anna’s pie .. we used to have that in SA – it’s not a British thing … enjoy your day of Thanksgiving and have some peace .. cheers Hilary
Cheers, Hilary.
I love the story of Ted. (and the pie looks amazing!) Happy Thanksgiving, Christine!!
She’s baking us a cherry one this year. (She made a cherry one last year too, but by the time I decided to take photographs, it was half gone.)
Enjoyed the story and the quotes.
Happy Thanksgiving, Christine.
Are you celebrating with family or friends? I hope your mother is continuing to do well. Have a good day.
A very happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones, Christine.
Thanks, Marion. We went to my parents’ house for dinner. Although he is not very responsive anymore, Dad seemed to enjoy listening to and watching the lively conversation around the table. I have a good memory from the day.
I am glad to hear that.
Christine, I am grateful for this story today~~and that you shared it with us. And that you shared your precious time to help at a place like Our Daily Bread. I see some angel shining through YOU.
You are too kind, Kathy. I really should be doing something for someone else now and feel guilty about it at times, but I’m trying to focus my energy on my parents at this time in my life. I hope you had a good holiday.
Thanks for sharing that, Christine.
I rather like that Churchill quote.
Thanks for stopping by, William. Are you gearing up to celebrate the holidays, or do you abstain?
I’m not sure what I’ll be doing over the holidays yet. If I’m in town, I might spend Christmas with friends whose families are further away.