Be thankful several small blessings
Editorial by Carolyn Dryer, Peoria Times, December 22, 2000

When I talked with Joanne Cacciatore on the phone, I knew I would like this person when I met her face to face. But, what would I say to her? What questions would I ask?

A mother who lost a child. There's no greater tragedy, I knew because my mother told me about her own parents' loss that occurred before she was born.

I knew my grandparents were very strict with my mother, were overprotective and didn't even let her start school until she was 9 years old. I learned why when I was about 10 or 11 but I never really understood until I had a child of my own.

My grandparents lost their first three children withing a span of 24 hours. The toddlers died of German measles. All three were buried together on the same day. I've lost brothers and sisters, one bother at 37 who died a horrible, lingering death from brain cancer.

So, I went to the Cacciatore door with some feeling of empathy. And I spoke with one of Cacciatore's friends by phone the next day. Linda Schmidt and Cacciatore talked about their "angels" with grace. They allowed me to probe into their private thoughts. I told them mine and I hope I listened with compassion.

As I sat down to write the story and to spread the word about people who care and want to help others bear the pain of their loss, I thought about how lucky I am to have a grown son and a lovely granddaughter. I have not suffered the tragedy of losing a child. Most of us are fortunate to still be able to pick up the phone and call our children when the mood strikes us.

Cacciatore and the Schmidts and other parents who have lost a child do not have that luxury. But what the Cacciatores and Schmidts of this world have is that great gift that we call compassion and an overpowering love for the children of this world.

They demonstrate that love through their kind offering of help for others. What a different world it would be if everyone possessed that powerful human spirit.

This holiday, whether Christmas or Hanakah or Kwanza, whatever you call your celebration, join me in giving thanks for what we have, for the children who walk this earth and the angels who "soar".

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