The ‘Thank You’ That Changed My Life

by Reagan Copeland '28

Writer Margaret Cousins once stated, “appreciation can make a day, even change a life.” Such a simple gesture can show someone that their generosity was recognized and greatly appreciated. When I sent a thank you note to the maker of a stunning, handmade rosary I had received at a school-wide rosary event at Our Lady of Hope Catholic School, I never imagined it would lead me where I am today.

It was October of 2023 in my 8th grade year, and I absentmindedly discarded the bag on the kitchen table, tucking the string of lemon yellow and jungle green marble beads with their shiny silver miraculous medal in my backpack for school prayers the next day. My family noticed that the return address label on the bag was the same as the one my younger sister had received at the same event. I thought, “What are the odds that the same lady made both of the rosaries we received…or did she make them for our whole school?!” So, I decided that I would write a note to her and say thank you. I never expected she would reply, but two weeks later I received a note from her explaining the rosary making ministry and telling me about her life in rural Baldwin, North Dakota.

We have continued to write to each other ever since, and she has become someone in whom I can confide. Mrs. Greisch, retired from her full-time career and as wise as an owl, has taught me so much about living life as a good Catholic; we exchange letters almost weekly, and so many times I have relayed stories about things that bring me joy or frustrate me. Mrs. Greisch never fails to help me focus on God through the stories I share with her. She has helped me learn to trust in God's plan and, with her seasoned Christ-filled insight, has guided me to see life with a decidedly Catholic perspective that I enjoy. In addition to her words of wisdom, she also lovingly hand-decorates the boxes she sends, and creates flowery handwriting that graces the pages of her letters. She selflessly takes time out of her very busy life to write pages upon pages about her own experiences to help me with mine.

I can’t believe that my simple thank you note turned into this beautiful blessing that I now have in my life.