Simply Grateful

by Judy

Two nights ago I went to our church with my son to hear NYPD Detective Steven McDonald speak as part of my son's religious education classes.   What began as "oh no, one more thing to do on the calendar" rapidly became the best thing I had done in a very long time. 

In 1986, Detective McDonald, then Police Officer McDonald, was shot three times, while patrolling Central Park in Manhattan.  He is the most seriously injured New York City police officer to survive his/her injuries.  Since that day he has been in a wheelchair, a quadriplegic, using  a ventilator for every breath he takes. 

As  we all sat listening to him recount that day, and his life since that day, one could have heard a pin drop.  The rhythmic  whooshing  sound of his ventilator, and his soft voice were the only sounds in the church.  

Yes, his story was about what happened to him that day, but even more than that, it was about his life since then, and how he has not just survived, but lived.  He spoke of the gratitude he has - for his loving wife of almost thirty years, for his son who was born shortly after the horrific shooting,  for the love of all of his family and friends, and for all of the support he has received from the people of New York City and all over the world.  However, he says he is most grateful for waking up each day, for all that he has been given, and for the chance to speak to people, young and old, about how his faith and gratitude has helped him thrive.  Remember, this is a man who has spent almost thirty years of his life in a wheelchair, and on a ventilator.

McDonald quoted "if you want to make God laugh, tell him of the plans you've made for yourself." Even though his life has been far, far different from what he had planned, his gratitude for life, and his strong faith radiates from him. 

At the end of his talk, he asked if there were any questions.  One student asked if he wished he had never gone to Central Park that day.  He answered, " no, I was so glad to be working that day with my boss and partner, and that is the job I loved.  I just wish I had ducked."  Oh boy, believe me, I definitely needed more tissue than I had brought with me! 

During this month of giving thanks for all that we have, and for those we love, I want to keep in perspective how truly wonderful my life is - all of it. Not just the good, but also the bad, the worries, the tears, the pain.  Yes, we all have legitimate sorrow at times, we all have legitimate worry, but my wish is that all of us here, contributors and followers alike, exude so much gratitude for life that it moves people, just like Detective McDonald's gratitude moved everyone in that church that night.  

"All that we behold is full of blessings." 

-William Wordsworth-