A likely companion
Learning to see all as neighbour and friend
By Sr. Norma Samar, O.L.M.
May/June 2014
Return to Table of Contents
Print Article
The Bible prods us to ask, Who is my neighbour? One winter’s day last year, I was reminded again of this challenge to see everyone as my neighbour and to treat them as such.
Jason, a welcoming and helpful parishioner. Keewatin-Le Pas Archdiocese.
As a pastoral worker in the Keewatin-Le Pas Archdiocese, Manitoba, I am often required to visit far-flung areas. On a Sunday after mass in December I asked Michael, a parishioner, if he was going to accompany me to Cormorant, a First Nations community about an hour and a half away. I especially wanted a companion for this trip as the weather was snowy and I needed someone to help me navigate. Unfortunately, Michael gently begged off as he had to stay home to take care of his ailing wife.
In one of the pews behind us sat Jason, a kind-hearted young man with special needs. He heard what we were talking about and exclaimed, “Wow! Are you going to Cormorant?” It occurred to me that Jason might want to come with me. I thought about the possibility and asked Michael quietly if it would be a good decision to let Jason come along.
After some thought Michael said, “Why not?” So I turned back to Jason and asked, “Do you want to come along?” He gave me a wide smile and said, “Yes!” with much enthusiasm.
Soon after, as I was getting ready to leave, I noticed Jason coming towards me carrying a fully-packed backpack. I wondered how he could have gotten himself organized so quickly, and then I realized that he was always ready to go somewhere at a moment’s notice. Talk about being prepared. He is a real Boy Scout.
Working in Northern Manitoba, Sister Norma Samar (far left) finds warmth and friendship among First Nations people like Shirley and Gideon Cook, and Audrey.
We started our journey and settled into the routine of getting to know each other. Jason, I learned, was a pleasant man with a gentle demeanor. We stopped for lunch along the way and he was so appreciative of the sandwich I gave him, so sincere in his thankfulness.
We arrived at Cormorant and Jason, also a First Nations man, easily fit in with the people there. I never expected to share the presence of such a gentle soul who was so eager to please and get to know others. I was glad he came along with me and I realized this experience was another of the many gifts God gives me each day.
From Jason I learned that people with special needs have something to give the world. Or perhaps I should say that they carry the gift within to draw from others kindness, concern, patience, compassion, openness, and laughter.
Who could ask for a better neighbour?
Return to Table of Contents
Print Article