I was in the public library the other day just to sit and read through some of the periodicals and relax a bit.  As I sat reading, an elderly woman came along and sat down on the chair next to me.  She began to open a bag filled with candies, she took a piece of hard candy and began to unwrap it; the noise of the rattling of the wrapper caused me to look up from my reading. She smiled at me and said, "I see you are reading some magazines."  I said yes and that I enjoyed coming to the library to read.

 "You look like you'd enjoy reading." She said.  Then she paused and said, "And by the looks of you, I'll bet you'd enjoy this piece of candy too, wouldn't you?"

  When I laughed she quickly said, "Oh, I didn't mean anything bad by that -- I hope that didn't insult you or hurt your feelings!"

  I said, "No, you didn't insult me, but it will cost you a piece of candy to make it up to me!"

 As we both enjoyed a piece of candy, she began to tell me about herself and the fact that her daughter takes care of her. "You know, I just love coming here to the library," she said. "My daughter drops me off on her way to work and then when I have spent enough time reading and taking out a few books to read at home, well, then I walk home. Did I tell you I love to read?"

 We talked for about 45 minutes. At the end of our conversation, as she was reaching for her cane, she said, "You know it's nice when people let us old folks talk with them; it makes you feel like a real person."  Then she made her way out of the library.

  I finished my reading and then went to check out a few books. As I was checking out my books, the librarian handed me a piece of paper and said, "The elderly woman you were speaking with left this for you."

  That little old lady had left me a copy of a poem entitled, "Am I a Burden?" Here it is:

Am I a burden, now I am old?

My deaf ears force you to shout.

My wobbly legs force you to clean for me.

My bent fingers force you to sew for me.

My bent back forces you to dress me.

My fading eyes force you to lead me.

My toothless mouth forces you to make soup for me.

Will you be pleased when I die?

Yet, though I fear I am a burden

You tell me you love me.

You enjoy listening to my stories.

You ask me my advice.

You make me feel needed -

And you express your mind.

If you are deceiving me when

You say I am no burden,

God bless you for your deception!

Isn't that a great poem?  I have used it in my prayer these past few days. As the great celebration of Thanksgiving approaches, it's good for us to be aware of the great treasure we all have in each other. It's good for us to be aware that, no matter how old or young we are; no matter how well or ill we may be, we all need each other and we are all gifts for each other. Let us all give thanks for the gifts we have in each other!