A Heartfelt Message of Gratitude For YOU
From Arts For Life Program Director Mary Margaret Fulk:
As the leaves change color and a chill hugs the air, we all prepare ourselves for the changing seasons. The holidays are a BUSY time of year; no words could be truer.
Yet each year, I find myself trying to slow down: grasping each beautiful moment, conversation or point of view, with the hopes of placing it deep inside my heart for safekeeping.
The art table is no exception. Each year at this time, I am overwhelmed with a heart of thankfulness as I see Arts For Life in action.
Every day at the art table, I witness unbelievable acts of Thanksgiving:
- A child who was once anxious and fearful of the hospital learns to relax, as she finds comfort and belonging in a sea of watercolor paints and paper tower sculpting.
- A volunteer and a patient share a secret, a deep belly laugh or a special handshake to prove that even the darkest of days can be filled with fun.
- Little fingers strum ukeleles and proudly sing every single word to “Let it Go!”
- When patients rush from the art table eager to show their parents, siblings, nurses, doctors, EVERYONE their creation for the day!
My hope is that the gratitude and thankfulness that fills my heart during the holiday season will continue to be my disposition for the entire year. The glitter that lingers days later, the paint spots on a clean apron, those permanent marks on a well-loved art table… these are the things I’m thankful for.
These little things?
They’re actually BIG things that make a BIG difference in the lives of kids in hospitals across North Carolina.
This season of gratitude, we’re giving thanks for YOU. Thank you for all you are and all you do, all year long.