thanksgiving in lourdes − 27 November, 2002
eversince i saw the 1943 movie, *song of bernadette,* as a young child, i wanted to visit lourdes, france. the drive to the south of france was beautiful with it's rolling hills, flocks of sheep and farm houses i felt like i was in a pastoral painting. i hadn't planned on being in lourdes on thanksgiving but it just so happened that way.
when we reached lourdes i wanted to visit the grotto where bernadette had a vision of the virgin mary. although i'm not catholic or religious i felt this was a spiritual place where people's prayers are heard. there a those who are terminally ill or crippled who still make the pilgrimage during easter each year in hopes of being healed. near the basilica of lourdes, there is even a hospital. the water from the grotto is supposed to have miraculous healing powers for those who believe and have faith in god and the virgin mary.
as i approached to the grotto i saw a little girl around four or five years old with her mother and grandmother. the grandmother walked with a cane. as they walked towards the grotto the grandmother accidentally dropped her cane. the little girl picked-up her cane and held out her small hand to help support her grandmother as they both walked to the grotto. i watched intently as the little girl prayed for her grandmother, her family and everyone she loves. i was moved by her. the little girl from lourdes who helped me understand the true meaning of thanksgiving.
when we reached lourdes i wanted to visit the grotto where bernadette had a vision of the virgin mary. although i'm not catholic or religious i felt this was a spiritual place where people's prayers are heard. there a those who are terminally ill or crippled who still make the pilgrimage during easter each year in hopes of being healed. near the basilica of lourdes, there is even a hospital. the water from the grotto is supposed to have miraculous healing powers for those who believe and have faith in god and the virgin mary.
as i approached to the grotto i saw a little girl around four or five years old with her mother and grandmother. the grandmother walked with a cane. as they walked towards the grotto the grandmother accidentally dropped her cane. the little girl picked-up her cane and held out her small hand to help support her grandmother as they both walked to the grotto. i watched intently as the little girl prayed for her grandmother, her family and everyone she loves. i was moved by her. the little girl from lourdes who helped me understand the true meaning of thanksgiving.
