When we visit locations where our foundation is working to make a difference like Haiti, South America, and Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, we always return with a profound sense of gratitude.  Having witnessed the conditions in other countries, and the emotional impact of childhood cancer, we are constantly amazed by how those affected still find joy in their lives. It reminds us that every time we turn a faucet and clean water pours out; every time we flip a switch and lights or air conditioning come on, and every time we hug our children and grandchildren, we have so much to be grateful for.

Brother David Steindl-Rast, also known as “The Grateful Monk”, gives us a unique perspective on gratitude and its connection to happiness. He says that most of us believe that if we are happy, we are grateful, yet if we look hard enough we would see it’s the opposite. Those who are grateful are happy.
Brother Steindl-Rast explains that gratefulness occurs when we experience something that’s valuable to us and that is given to us – a real gift, not bought or traded for or owed to us – just given.  When we experience that, true gratefulness spontaneously occurs. He teaches that we can live gratefully by experiencing, by becoming aware that every moment in our life is a valuable gift and an opportunity to experience gratitude and happiness.  It’s up to us to embrace this opportunity or miss it.
This does not mean we can be grateful for everything; we cannot be grateful for violence, war, hunger, or poverty. But even when we are confronted with something terribly difficult, we can respond to the opportunity by learning something, which is sometimes painful. Learning patience or persistence, for instance.
Think about those people you most admire.  They took their moments, they stood up and they did something.  So, Frida and I ask you to think with gratitude about your moments.  How will you embrace them?  How will you make a difference?
We encourage you to read our recent blogs about our work in Haiti, about the meals we provide, about the surgeries we sponsor, and about the impact our camperships have in the lives of children fighting cancer.  Pay attention to the pictures – the faces of gratitude – and consider helping us continue these programs through your donation.
And, we invite you to  listen to Brother Steindl-Rast’s Ted Talk.
Frida and I are grateful every day to all of you who support us and for all the blessings in our lives.
 
~Michael and Frida Donner