Due to an angry altercation between our son and a baseball, he received several stitches above his eye. He’s completely fine and we’ve now had several conversations about not literally keeping his eye on the ball.
While the stitches themselves are miraculous little inventions, we experienced different kinds of stitches over the course of the last 48 hours: surgeons giving their expertise and care, family and friends dropping everything to offer an extra set of hands, my son’s teachers and classmates calling with compassion and concern.
In the grand scheme of life, this is a small event. The tragedies of this week alone are unfathomable. But for our son, this was big. He got hurt playing sports he loves. And he watched his community rise for him, modeling empathy, kindness, and love. He is learning that when the time comes to be a friend to someone in need, he has realistic examples to easily conjure and act out.
What does it mean to celebrate Thanksgiving? This year, I’m cognizant of those who act as stitches in my life. Those that offer themselves and embody healing and hope. To my stitches—you don’t go unnoticed. Thank you.
Modeh Ani Lifanecha, Dear God, I offer my thanks before you, grateful beyond measure. And to those in this world that offer healing to others, I am grateful for you. Our children are watching. Let them witness acts of loving-kindness so that this world is transformed into a place of benevolence and light.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Nicole Guzik is a rabbi at Sinai Temple. She can be reached at her Facebook page at Rabbi Nicole Guzik or on Instagram @rabbiguzik. For more writings, visit Rabbi Guzik’s blog section from Sinai Temple’s website.
