I spent my Thanksgiving really giving thanks to God every minute that I remembered to – and that was often. I jokingly told friends that God was probably thinking: “Here she comes again. I heard you, my daughter. You can stop now.”  

He is going to hear me again. I thank Him for the human spirit that He instilled in His creations. The affirmation of that spirit came to my attention over this Thanksgiving Holiday in the stories of two little boys. As long as it is a story about kids, I read it.  I was not disappointed. As a matter of fact, I was inspired.  What struck me is the survivor spirit in them. Both of them have been facing major medical battles. My money is on them surviving.

I used to support St. Jude more faithfully until my financial resources became almost moribund.  I will continue in the future, even after my body has departed this earthly realm. The first thing that I noticed about Max was his smile. It seemed to radiate from my computer screen. How could this little boy still possess such a radiant smile with eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, after all that he has undergone? God does know. Although I am already a "glass half full" person, I would like to meet Max and see if being in his presence will rub off on me, and I could become even more of an optimist. I was not surprised when I read the following sentence:

Through it all, Max has kept his happy disposition. He loves “Star Wars” and singing and wants to one day learn how to ballroom dance.

I already share Max’s love of singing and did win a ballroom dancing competition. I could be Max’s ballroom dancing partner, although slightly – all right – lots older than he is.  His smile alone would be sufficient to sway the judges in our favor! Seriously, my wish for Max is that God restores his health, and he grows up to be a fine young man.

This is a tale of man, or woman's inhumanity to a little boy - with a happy ending. When I read that a thief had stolen Aidan’s donated money for his surgery, strangely I did not feel outrage. I felt pity – not for Aidan – but for the thief. This person is truly missing a chromosome and maybe God can do some repairs in His “factory.” I know that in fact God did make this person with the correct chromosomes,  but somewhere along the way, he or she traded in his or her conscience. As I read the last paragraph, I became convinced that I was right not to pity Aidan:

Young Aidan, meanwhile, had a message of his own, proving he wasn't going to let anyone steal his feisty spirit. He warned the crook: "I'm going to kick your butt!"

Aidan, I would volunteer to help you with the “justice kick,” but I somehow have the feeling that you could handle that assignment by yourself! As for the thief, I pray that he or she develops a guilty conscience and returns the money, even anonymously. Aidan has spunk and I know he will make it! Mr. or Ms. Thief – your outlook is not that rosy. Repent and return.

My Pastor recently referenced Psalm 8 in his sermon. The second verse is very appropriate in describing these two youngsters:

Psalm 8:2 

 ²Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength…

Yep, heroes can come in small packages! To be honest, if I had endured what they have, I would have probably been shedding more tears than the proverbial river. I thank Max and Aidan for reminding me that ultimately, inner strength is worth more than silver, gold or stolen thousands. I don’t know these two youngsters, and I did not intend to mention about sending a donation to them. But, if anyone reading this is so moved, please do.

Even before reading their stories, I had already decided that this Christmas was going to be different. My budget does not allow much gift giving, but I am going to make small donations in the names of friends, to worthy causes.  With all of the lessons that I have had reinforced this year, making a difference is even more important on my agenda, than making a splash. No, I am not campaigning for sainthood. I am following my heart. Instead of three wise men, two wise little boys led the way. Thank you, Max and Aidan.