Recently, I caught up with a generous donor who was recovering at her home after two surgical orthopedic procedures.
After dialing her number, I asked, “Are you up for a visit?” “You bet!” she answered. After entering her house, I noticed she was getting along quite well, albeit with a walker. Since it involved one of her joints, her range of motion was limited.
After a half an hour of chit-chat, her plumber called. He had installed one of those plastic riser toilet seats with arm rests. It was a Saturday morning. She was very pleasant and respectful to the plumber but insistent that he come ASAP!
“What do you mean you can’t come here till Monday?!?” He tried to explain that over the weekend, he was only making house calls for emergencies.
“But THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, FOR I NEED TO GO TO THE BATHROOM!” Because of her brace, she was unable to bend over to attempt the repair - kind of like a passenger on a jumbo jet attempting a landing with radio instructions from the control tower.
As the conversation ensued, I thought to myself, ‘Maybe I can fix the plastic riser toilet seat…. No way, I am not a plumber…. How complicated can it be? …. If I used to fix human plumbing problems, surely I can fix a plastic porcelain problem!’
As thoughts like this bantered about in my mind I figured, ‘Oh what the heck, the worst that could happen is I break it’ and since she could not use it as it was, I figured I had nothing to lose - especially since the plumber was coming Monday!
Two to three minutes later I entered her living room and said, “Your toilet seat is fixed!”
Being a little skeptical she went in and checked it out. She was so pleased, thankful and happy if it wasn’t for the brace and walker she would have done an Irish jig. After chatting for another half-hour or so, she handed me another check for CSS. I say ‘another’ because she is one of our generous regular donors.
Later, as I drove back from a visit out west, reflecting on the fact that we are going to reach our goal for our Bountiful Harvest Banquet fundraiser, I reflected on our many generous benefactors like the woman mentioned above. While driving, I thanked Almighty God for them all because it is only because of their love for Jesus Christ in the poor and needy are we are able to help the countless individuals and families that we encounter on a daily basis. On the day of their individual judgment, they will hear Jesus say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant …. Come, share your master’s joy” (Mt 25:23).
To all of our benefactors who help us spiritually with prayers and penances, materially with items around home not needed and financially with cash donations, please know that I am most grateful. Please always remember that we at Catholic Social Services will keep you, your family and intentions in our prayers, and if you have any toilet problems, do not hesitate to call me.
