-Ghandi
I groan as my alarm rings at 8:00 on Sunday morning. I hit snooze and pull my covers tighter to me, curling into a ball. I realize it is the day I am joining my grandparents at "the bridge " . The bridge is an area in Bridgeport , CT where once a month their parish goes and hands out items to the poor. As I get ready in the morning , I realize that each thing I do I take for granted ..the ability to get out of a warm bed , put on clean clothes , eat a nutritious breakfast , and get into my own car to go where I need to.
After the cars are loaded we join for prayer. As we approach the bridge there are already people waiting in line . I see a man eagerly look at each of us and his eyes light up at the sight of my grandfather. " Frank , glad to see you !" My grandfather shakes his hand and hands him a pair of underwear. Reusable bags are handed out to each person in line as it begins to grow. Once tables are set up ,the assembly line begins : toiletries ,food ,water ,socks,underwear ,and gloves. A box of pizza is opened and passed along the line.
Items are dropped in each bag as they move quickly past the tables. Gratitude echoes everywhere : " Thank you baby " , "God bless you " , " Thank you so much" . A woman asks my grandmother for two pairs of underwear because she lives in a shelter and can only do laundry once a week.
After all of the items are passed out , the parish gathers again for prayer. This time they are joined by the recipients of today's bags . As most grab hands , names are shouted that need special prayers " For my daughter battling cancer " " For Cindy " . Then "Our Father" is then recited , first in Spanish ,then in English. My grandmother squeezes my hand tightly on "amen" .
We walk back to the car to head home. I wonder where everyone else is going to. We have given them one meal , but where will they get their next ? We have given them soap but will they have a place to shower ? As I return home with my loving family , who will they return to ? If you are wondering why someone doesn't do something about these problems remember one thing : YOU are someone. Be the change.
