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What I Learned from One Missed Opportunity at Kindness
An invitation never extended.
We all know someone who dreads the holiday season. Not every American gets to sit down to a Thanksgiving meal surrounded by family or friends. If I learned anything after almost ten years of working in a food pantry, it’s that there are lots of lonely people out there.
If you’re lucky enough to be preparing for an upcoming holiday filled with fellowship, food and spirits, and family traditions, take a moment to soak in some gratitude. Even if you anticipate your day to include an argument with your not-so-favorite sibling, a few snide comments from a so-called friend, or the cold shoulder from the relative you haven’t spoken to all year, having options to connect and engage with others is a blessing. Many of the people who came to our pantry weren’t that fortunate.
When I first started packing food baskets and handing them out the week before Thanksgiving, I used to ask people to tell me their holiday plans. Many were thrilled to share their family stories, but some would admit that it was like any other day.
I remember the waitress who was disappointed that she didn’t have to work on Thanksgiving. Covering a shift that day would have been a nice distraction, given her something to do. Another pantry-goer admitted to tossing…
