Saturday, September 11, 2010

Dearest God,

"Hello," Stella, my only red-haired granddaughter said to me on the phone. "Happy birthday!" I cried out. Stella turned six today on 9/11, three years after the horrible attack on our nation. My daughter did not want her child to be born on this day; however, what hope she gave to us and to those around us. Stella was another symbol of hope reminding us that nothing can ultimately destroy our resolve as a people.

Stella has given our family another blessing. Just six weeks after conception she drew attention and my daughter was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Seven months later Stella was born healthy and my daughter was cancer free.

This morning as I listened to the names of the deceased being read at Ground Zero, I breathed a prayer for all those who mourned today. I prayed for peace, hope and better understanding among the peoples of the world. I gave thanks for those gifts of courage, faith, strength, love, compassion and mercy that continue to be exhibited by those whose loss was inconceivable.

Our beautiful little granddaughter who just started kindergarten is a constant reminder of your merciful compassion. Her smile, self-giving love and kindness urge me to reach out, to give thanks, to do charitable acts, and to praise you for your willingness to help us whenever, wherever and however we need it.

O God,
may you
be blessed
with joy
from on high.
May we
as your people
count our blessings.
May we
remember the constancy
of your faithfulness
to us.
May we
take courage
as we ponder
the countless ways
you reach out
to us
with outstretched hands.
May we
sing your praise forever!

Love, Andrea