The One Day Miracle

This is a story about one of the most beautiful miracles I have ever witnessed. It is a story of community, of love, of mercy, and of the compassion of strangers for someone in need. I was privileged enough to see it all first hand, for it all began with one simple phone call... I have a friend (we'll call her "J") who's profession involves working with individuals and families in their homes and trying to connect them to services they need. This particular evening, I received a phone call that would impact both of us more than we could have ever expected. She called me with a problem; she had come across a mother and child in a desperate situation...no furniture to speak of, deplorable living situation, and no food in the cupboards. This friend has known me for quite sometime, is vaguely familiar with my church, and has had several positive experiences with our missionaries. She knew our missionaries like to give volunteer service, and was wondering if they would be able/willing to help do some cleaning, etc. at this home. I knew the missionaries would be happy to help, but I asked how the other needs were going to be met. She wasn't sure; the services she was trying to set up had a loophole that was going to take at least a couple of weeks to sort through. She was personally trying to help out with a few food items here and there on her own limited budget. I told her about the Relief Society of my church, and how the organization's entire existence is built around trying to relieve suffering. She was amazed and asked if I thought they might be able to help her maybe get a week's worth of food for this family.I know and love these women so well, that I guaranteed her it would happen. I also told her I would ask about donations of furniture, and that I would post the info. to my neighborhood internet page (I am blessed to live in a neighborhood of exceptional and very giving people who I had seen come together several times in support of worthy causes). I put the word out to my church family and neighborhood that very evening; I gave brief details of the situation, and explained donations could be dropped off to my house and then would be sent on to the family. We needed the donations ASAP, as the circumstances were dire, and though hoping for at least some donations by the following evening, we realized this was giving everyone very little time to respond. I expected a few people to drop by with perhaps a bag of some leftover cans from their cupboards to help out, and would have been grateful for any small offering given. What actually happened still brings tears to my eyes as I recollect the details. My doorbell began ringing the next morning and continued throughout the day. Bags and bags and bags of food were dropped off by church members and neighbors alike. A friend of mine dropped by with fresh fruits and vegetables stating how hard it must be to not have any fresh food. Gallons of milk were donated; cheese, a whole turkey, chicken, ground beef, some extra hygiene items and things I would have never thought of like paper towels and dish soap were brought by. My next door neighbors brought by a bed. Some neighbors down the street donated a beautiful couch set, and several other items were donated, until they had enough to furnish a whole apartment. One donation, in particular, which touched me the most was by a woman I know, who called and asked if I could stop by. She was a widow, living with a disability, who was barely scraping by herself. When I knocked on her door, I was greeted with a large bag of food items she wished to donate, which I know was given at great sacrifice...It reminded me of the story of the "widow's mite", and how her gift of all she had was truly the most beautiful gift of all. Another friend stopped by with $100 "for whatever they were still in need of". By that evening, my living room was full from end to end and stacked about 2 feet high all the way across with dry food items. My fridge and outdoor freezer were packed, and my garage was full of furniture. As I began sorting the food and items, the story became even more incredible: While one person had brought a turkey, another had brought stuffing, and still another some cranberry sauce. Ground beef was donated, as were taco shells, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese (all from different sources), and on and on...so many complete meals, completely unintentionally. People brought by drinks and treats so they had something to look forward to and smile about (someone remarked that everyone could use a little chocolate every now and again...). By the end of the sorting and tallying, it was estimated there was over a month and a half's food donated in just 24 hours. I called "J" and let her know that I had some items for her to pick up for the family. When she walked into my house and saw the living room full to the brim with food, she broke down into tears. She said she had never seen anything like that...in all of her years of helping people in need and finding them resources, what would have taken her months of going through red tape and paperwork and outreach to even attempt to get those kind of items, these incredible, generous, loving strangers were able to accomplish in just 24 hours. What I wouldn't give to be able to go back in time and take a picture of it all so you could see it. The scene that remains in my memory, however, stands as a memorial in my mind of the beauty and good of humanity. With all the horrors we hear about so often, and the negativity we are bombarded with everyday, it only takes a moment for me to remember that miracle, and so many others like it, that prove to me how many good people there really are out there.Yes, there are ugly exceptions of course, but I truly believe that at its core, humanity is not a lost cause...more people are good, caring, loving human beings than we give credit for. I say let's be different. Let's go against the grain of society and the media that will tell us to fear each other, to question motives, and assume the worst. Instead, let's dare to open our eyes and our hearts to see the everyday kindnesses that so often go unnoticed. Let us herald the acts of courage, honesty, and goodness that are happening all around us, and show the world there is still hope.