The Gift of Love and Forgiveness
Each year as the holidays approach, it’s easy to become lost in the commercialism of the holidays and to forget their real meaning and purpose. (1) , there is meaning and purpose all around us, and sometimes we just need to take the time to look for it. We can also give the holidays meaning by what we do. It can be as (2) as a note, a call, or a small act ofreaching out in love that can positively (3) another person and bring many blessings to you.
I recently heard a story about the power of (4) . A therapist(治疗专家) at a (5) living community — let’s call her Anne — addressed the (6) of forgiveness in a discussion group around Thanksgiving, (7) that we need to let go of mistakes we have made and forgive both ourselves and those who have (8) us. The next day, a(n) (9) resident came to Anne and said she felt (10) during the holidays, because she had been estranged(疏远了) from her (11) for more than 10 years. Anne’s talk about forgiveness had touched her heart, (12) now, she wanted to (13) to them. So, Anne helped her make a card and send it to her family members.
A week later, the resident returned, (14) that she had not received a response to her note. But shortly after, in walked a young man, her great-nephew, whom she had not seen since he was a little boy, (15) by her nephew, the boy’s father. The resident was so excited to see both of them. They (16) each other and spent hours reconnecting. They left with a promise to stay (17) .
Four years ago, in that same spirit, I (18) a nonprofitorganization ---Wish of a Lifetime (WOL),with the goal of helping to change the lives of seniors in a meaningful and (19) way, by helping them (20) their dreams.