"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you', that would suffice." ~Meister Eckhart
Dear Friends,
The quote from Meister Eckhart is one I very much identify with. Because of my faith, I am continually thankful for my family, friends and business: I feel so blessed each and every day.
For me November is such a wonderfully appropriate month for giving thanks. Not only does Thanksgiving Day provide us the opportunity to sing praises and share in the bounty that is ours; not only do we Americans remember the great sacrifices made by the Pilgrims, as they sought to start new lives for themselves and their families; but this year I am particularly thankful: last week, my husband, Andy, received his U.S. Citizenship after many years of living and working in the U.S. Similar to the Pilgrims, twenty-five years ago, as newlyweds, he and I traveled to the U.S., in order to create a strong foundation for our future family. We traveled to a new land, known for its strong leadership, education, and community-life-not to mention four, breath-taking seasons.
This month, I want to specifically acknowledge his perseverance in becoming a U.S. citizen, and with that acknowledgement, to thank him, for always providing for his family, and for supporting me in both my business and my faith.
In my business as in my faith, I have learned that when we give thanks it also means our caring for others. And so I would like to share about a dear friend and client of Allure Spa, and a sister in faith, Donna Cooke. Upon our first moving to Quincy, almost immediately I joined the First Presbyterian Church, where Donna, as a member, welcomed me. Eventually she supported me in my business and mission work; and so last week, Donna called Allure Spa, inquired regarding the cost of a full pedicure, and indicated that she would call back for an appointment. However, the following day, we received an email: Donna had suffered a heart attack and passed away.
The Allure Spa staff and I were greatly shocked and saddened to hear the news; and for me personally, I felt such an ache in my heart: I hadn't been able to bless Donna by giving her a pedicure before she had passed. Seeking to comfort me, my sister, Linda, who has been staying with me and helping with the skincare department at the Spa, assured me that Donna is with the Lord now. As we prayed for Donna's family, we realized that the act of foot washing has been such an important part of our own faith-experience. Imitating Christ, we have found that foot washing is one of the most humbling services we can offer others. As a consequence, and now in memory of Donna, during the month of November, I plan to offer a 50% discount to all my elderly clients.
You might recall, the mission work with Friends of the World Charitable Trust also started with a simple pedicure. The day I arrived at the orphanage in Bangladesh, I gave pedicures to all the room mothers, who greatly appreciated the love and care they received through the act of foot washing. Although Friends of the World Charitable Trust is no longer working in Bangladesh, I am thankful for the support we received, even as I am convinced of the valuable training we imparted to young, Bengali women seeking careers in cosmetology. But more than that, I strongly believe that the greatest accomplishment was the gift of touch, love and learning they gave and received from one another.
My goal this month is to reach-out to the elderly within our community; to give thanks often; and to care and bless others. I am thankful for you, the clients of Allure Spa, and for your support and interest in all our work here.
From all of us at Allure Spa, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
God Bless,
Sandra Ishmael
