The gift I can never forget......

When I was seventeen I met an incredible person who was to become my mentor and my best friend. His name was Frank and he was the most Christian person I had ever met. Ironically, he had little personal knowledge of Christianity, yet was profoundly giving. His detachment from material objects and concern for others caused him to exude an air of peace and love.

I grew up poor in the most affluent county in America, the eldest of eight siblings. There were times when government surplus milk, processed cheese and cereal was about all we had to eat. I was shy and reserved, sitting precariously somewhere on the autistic spectrum. I wore old clothes that didn't fit (high-water pants) white socks and pointed black laced-up shoes. Frank was athletic and worldly in the sense that he fully understood what was wrong with the society we lived in,  and had a plan to fix it.

I met Frank a college freshman while a junior in high school. I was writing a report on the feudal system for a history class. I was an aspiring seminarian and Frank was a Hippie before it became fashionable. A conversation ensued and we exchanged some philosophical insights on the report, and life in general. A friendship was born. We began to spend our free time together and would run his dogs for hours through the Rockefeller estate in Tarrytown, NY. Often we would converse about the domestic and foreign socio-political events of the sixties as we went on these long walks in the woods. Together we sought to work out our own particular reality, and our respective places in the world.

Once when I was at his home, Frank noticed me admiring the new long leather jacket he was wearing. He immediately took it off and handed it to me.

 "Its yours, please take it." Was all he said.

After repeated attempts to return it, I knew by the tone of his voice that there was no refusing this precious gift. To this day I remember the sweet smell of the supple Italian leather and the contrast of the bright red lining of a jacket, which became a coat for me, due to my shorter stature.

I felt his love and friendship wrap around me, as I put the coat on. I was as close to tears, as I am right now forty years later. I had just learned a powerful lesson about giving. I feel blest to have been on the receiving end this time so I could fully appreciate the spiritual impact of a precious gift freely given. Once felt, one can truly understand the tremendous joy and appreciation those who are in need feel toward their benefactors. To give is a precious gift, for both.

When I got home I found a silk white scarf and topped off my attire. These were to become my new vestments. From that day forward, I wore my new black leather jacket day and night, spring through winter, for many years thereafter. It was one of my most cherished possessions. I only took it off  when I went to bed. It became the icon of friendship and selflessness, which I vowed to carry forward into the world. You can get a glimpse at it in the pictures with the article.

Though you are no longer with us, I can never say enough - Francis, son of St. Martin, Thank you from the bottom of my heart! May I never forget that there are those in the world who's needs are much greater than my own.

Christopher