Clara Caufield. Photo from Native News Project / University of Montana School of Journalism

The greatest Christmas gift of all could be your time
By Clara Caufield
A Cheyenne Voice

On the subject of ignoring elders, family and the infirm, I recently received a “wake-up” email message from a dear friend to my Mother, fellow tribal member and distant cousin, Vanna Schwamb, age 86. In her late 70’s, she learned about computers and the internet, now scouring sites for inspirational messages which she freely shares with her “cyber” pals, including me.

Her last email was chock-full of the excuses many people use for not taking time to visit and spend time with elderly parents, loved ones, friends and even strangers, such as those that Jesus loved, the disenfranchised. My good friend Reverend Donna, a free-based minister in Sheridan agrees, as she is dedicated to the homeless, recovering addicts and the affirmed, visiting the jails, the homeless shelters and the VA in Sheridan, offering encouragement to those afflicted with addiction such as those with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and associated anger issues. She reminds that Christmas is not about gifts: it is about “bringing people together in joy, friendship, love and time spent, offering hope”.

Read the rest of the story on the all new Native Sun News website: The greatest Christmas gift of all could be your time

(Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com)

Copyright permission Native Sun News