Lost and Found

It was 1958 and I was 4 years old. My parents were watching Archbishop Fulton Sheen on TV as he spoke each week from the Archdiocese of NY. Every member of my Catholic family watched each week from their home in Boston. His sermon that day was on “the poor children of the world.” I am told that I stopped everything to listen to him. And then began to cry. My father shared that I wouldn’t stop and began asking questions. I wanted to know how I could help. My father said he gently took me in his arms, grabbed some paper and wrote a letter for me, in my own words. He then donated some money on my behalf.


Today I found Archbishop Sheen’s reply letter, again, tucked away in a drawer. 54 years later and it moves me each and every time I read it. But not because of anything I did. Because two adults chose to listen with grace and give me a voice. “My dear friend – all the grown-ups consider you a child.. as you grow older in years may your generosity and kindness grow accordingly; may you always remain as young as you are..” I’m working on it, Father Sheen. Some days are easier than others. But, I’m working on it.