This morning I was reading a short reflection written by one of the MacKenzie-Fort Smith Diocesan staff. She points to the question “Who is our neighbor?” The parable of the Good Samaritan tells us that our neighbor is everyone! Like Jesus’ story, we’ve all had the experience of being passed over in time of special need. This is illustrated in an experience I had last week on my birthday.
I woke up feeling a wee bit out of sorts. I tried to shake it off but the feeling of being in a funk continued. So, I decided to take a long walk around Frame Lake neighborhood (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories) to explore the rugged beauty that surrounds me. This most often grounds me and offers me a new perspective. After walking about 2 kilometers I saw some men sitting on a semicircular cement block. They were laughing and swinging their arms. I wondered if they were playing “hand games” a familiar Indigenous sport that usually attracts hundreds of people. Anyway, I inquired if this was what they were doing. The men laughed and said they were throwing stones at a small target along the bank. They were simply enjoying each other. I could tell they had spent the night outdoors and enjoyed a night of bottled spirits.
I was about to walk away when I realized that I had my tiny purse with me and perhaps a couple of gift cards for A&W. Oh, let me backup for a moment. Over the past 18 months or so, whenever I receive small donations, I purchase $10 A&W gift cards and give them away to people asking for money on the street. This way, they can buy a burger and a drink for about $9.52. I looked in my small purse thinking I might have at least a few cards on hand. Well, lo and behold, I had 7 gift cards! Was this meant to be or what?
I passed the gift cards to each of the men and received several comments. There is one comment that will be etched in my heart forever.
One of them asked, “Is it okay from now on if we call you MAMA BURGER? “
My response, “It sure is.”
I laughed and chuckled all the way home. I have a street name now! And that feeling of being in a funk was completely lifted. Mama Burger received the BEST gift on her birthday!
-Sister Linda Parent, csj