In the season of gift-giving, I asked several of our local citizens what very meaningful or significant gift they have received in their lifetime. Thinking of “gift” broadly, it could be material, but more likely wise words or an intervention that made a major impact on them, even changing their lives. It might have been realized as a gift only in retrospect. Below are their moving messages.
Margay Blackman
Mayor, Village of Brockport
The greatest gift — Stories. There is something special and intimate when a person shares his or her life story with you. As an anthropologist, I had the good fortune to record and publish the biographies of two strong, remarkable Native American women elders who told me their life stories and became my mentors. The gift continued when I taught a life history course at the college and watched my students experience what I had. Belatedly, I turned to interview my parents about their lives, and now that they are gone, I often look back, gratefully, on their words and the time we spent together recording them.
Jo Matela
Owner, Red Bird Café in Brockport
Former Mayor, Village of Brockport
My grandparents Herbert and Esther George always lived by “This world is big enough for everyone.” Even back then, I did not realize how much that important statement was going to mean to me. They both treated everyone with respect and looked for the good in others. I never once heard them say anything disparaging about anyone. They taught their seven children the same values and I see this throughout my family and my children. I sometimes have to remind myself of this, as it is easy to get caught up in the rhetoric of today. Thank you, Herbert and Esther.
Jack Milner
Former Supervisor for the
Town of Sweden
Former Principal at
Brockport Middle School
Bev Milner
Former employee Special Education Office at Brockport Central School
On November 4, 1998, our grandson, Jacob, was born prematurely, with critical heart problems, a myriad of G.I. issues and Down Syndrome. At first, it did not seem like a “gift of a lifetime,” as we struggled with the fear and challenges we faced. However, as we watched Jacob grow, it was very evident that he was having more of a positive impact on all our family members than we ever thought possible. Our material gifts pale in comparison to the 18-year journey which has blessed all of us. We are all better people for having Jacob in our lives and the friends we have made along the way are priceless.
Editor’s note: The full story about Jacob and his family will appear in a future issue.
Bill Plews
Chair of the Brockport
Ecumenical Outreach Committee
Vice President of the Western New York
Coalition of Farmworker Serving Agencies
Retired as a Manager of the
Eastman Kodak Company
When I retired, I realized that the work that I had done supporting myself and my family was largely over. After some soul searching, I decided that I would involve myself in efforts focused on the needs of immigrant farmworkers in Western New York. Because of that decision, I have gotten to work with people in organizations such as Oak Orchard Health, Migrant Education, Legal Aid, Worker Justice Center, and the Rural and Migrant Ministry. The experience, energy and insight of these people is a gift to me as well as our community. To have their respect and affection is a treasure.
Next week’s issue will have responses from: Allan Berry, Mary Edwards, Chris Martin and Nancy Steedman.
