There are so many lessons that can be learned from nature and animals. Over the years we have had many cats and, of course, they all have their unique personalities. But just like people, there are some that will forever leave their paw prints on my heart.
I remember a litter of kittens that were hidden under our arbor swing. As they became five to six weeks old they crawled out to receive affection from my husband and me. I won’t forget the little one that I would pet daily he/she loved the affection and cried when I wasn’t petting him/her. After a few days it became obvious that this kitten was in poor health when I discovered maggots under its fur eating its flesh away. My eyes were filled with tears and my heart with compassion as I scooped the kitten up and took it to the local veterinarian. As I feared there was nothing that could be done for the little kitten. It had to be in pain but it was content to be in my company, and even purred as a petted its head and back. The only time the kitten cried was when my hands grew tired or when I was crying too much to petting it.
This was a lesson in the value of showing compassion and care towards others, especially those who are sick, suffering and elderly. Sometime the pain of loneliness or the despairing belief that their lives don’t matter is more unbearable than their illness. We should never underestimate the power of love and compassion. To think we might be able to lighten another’s burden simply by sending a note/card, preparing a meal, visiting or any other charitable act of mercy should be reason enough to take action.
Sometimes we are afraid to visit because we don’t know what to say or that the person will not welcome our kindness—although this is a real possibility, it is better to err on the side of action than inaction. I would rather have someone tell me they didn’t feel up to company or they don’t like chicken noodle soup rather than to never have made the attempt. Sometimes those who are suffering or helpless lash out because they dislike their circumstances. Sometimes they are too proud to accept a kindness or dislike feeling as though they are a charity case. But that’s when compassion is at its best, when it becomes a mutual concession, because each party must surrender a bit of their self for the sake of other.
Upcoming events:
Today and Saturday, there will be karaoke downstairs at the Versailles Vets Club beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Versailles Museum, Mary Ann Olding presents historic photographs encompassing landscape, architecture, cemeteries, and villages from the Meuse River Valley, which is where many Frenchtown, Versailles and Russia residents originated. Also Sunday from 4:30 – 9 pm is St. Denis’ Senior Prom in the St. Denis Church basement with dinner at 5 p.m. RSVP by calling 526-4945 or by emailing to [email protected].
May 9 is Versailles Spring Band Concert beginning at 6:30 p.m.
May 11, VHS Encore’s Spring Show beginnings at 7:30 p.m. Also Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Worch Library offers and adult bicycle maintenance program.
Congratulations to the 2017 VHS Prom Queen and King: Janelle Hoelscher, daughter of Aimee and Steve and Bo Bey, son of Sundra and Jerry. Also congratulations to Kristy Earick, administrator of Versailles Health Care Center for receiving the prestigious 2017 Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award. Congratulations also to the VHCC local volunteers for their commitment and dedication. Those recognized and their respective years were Adela Hoke (25), Susan Fields (24), Elsie Shappie (12), Connie Stammen (8), Karen Doseck (8), Diane Yakos (8), and Kate Custenborder (4).
Birthday wishes to Harold Langston (96), Kayla Clark, Mike Hayes, Ethan Rhoades Kensie Rhoades, Kevin Flory, Maxwell Curtis, Jan Collins, Kate Brewer, Tracy Nagel, Kristina Treon, Claire Holzapfel, Haylee Lewis, Paige Holzapfel, Andrew Holfinger, Trevor Dirksen, Polly Grow, Rick Berger, Matthew Gibbons, Jason Keihl, John Hilgefort, Emily Harman, Kathy Heitkamp, Rebecca Liette, Ginny Moorman, Rebecca Pohl, Rosie Koverman and Ed Ruhe as their birthdays approach, as well as, anniversary wishes to Joelle and Judson Delancey (5), Nikki and Jason Roll (8), Jennifer and Steve Shield (15), Jackie and Rick Voisard (31), Taunya and Tom Buxton (38), Colleen and Dan Hayes (39), Jeanne and Brad Miller (44), Sharon and Gary Kunk (45), Kathy and George Subler (53) and Jean and Paul Shimp (61). Retirement wishes to Jan Gigandet.
Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Chris Fullenkamp, Alma May, Floren Christman, Cy Gehret, Rhonda Poling, Donna & Terry Black, Ron Bruner, Connie Ecabert, Wanda and Joe Bailey, Wilma Didier, Dave Buxton, Conrad Phlipot, Betty Kremer, Vickie Cottrell, Dan Roseberry, Denny Grilliot, Sheila Spahr, Beverly Brown, Linda Kendinger, Steve Youngker, Harold Langston Sr., Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Ruth Haft, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Sondra Spangler, Mary Barga, Anabelle Subler, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Levadia Barga, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Cyril Frantz (hospital), Michelle Ullom, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Samantha Smith, Brian Voisard, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers and their caregivers.
Remembering the lives of Ray Francis, Mary Dues, Jeff Mescher, Susan Brewer, Brent Corn, Betty Bigham, Tim Sloan, Bill Harman, Lucille Lee, Pauline Schmiesing, Phillip Grillot, Edith Brandt, Margaret Streib, Michael Dapore, Roger Mangen, Joan Barga, Gene and Betty Meyer, Ruth Oliver, Phyllis Albritton, Ruth Gaier, John McGreevy, Glen Shappie, Lucille Coffield, Norma Rinderle, John Todd and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their passing nears.
“Compassion is not spoken with words but in actions.” ~C. Edwards
“Accepting help from others doesn’t mean you’re weak. Rejecting help from others doesn’t mean you’re strong either.” ~Unknown
“Our sorrows and our wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion.” ~Buddha
