If I had to pick a person who influenced this Christmas season the most this year, it would have to be Safyre Terry. If you haven’t heard her story, this little girl from Schenectady, N.Y. lost everything a few years ago in an act of arson, including her family. She was badly burned in the incident: She lost a hand, a foot, and is covered in scars from the extensive burns. But she survived that fire.
As a resident of Schenectady, I was shocked to see Safyre’s story up on social media sites. I had never heard her name before. But one of her friends publicly posted this on Facebook, asking for support:
The country responded in a big way. She didn’t just fill her tree: It overflowed. Hundreds of cards piled in. Her name was plastered all over my Facebook for days as people were calling for more cards for this little girl. And more cards came. Right now she's at over half a million cards (needless to say, the post office made a wise choice in giving her a separate section for all that incoming mail).
And it wasn't just cards that came in this holiday season. Someone gave her a trip to Disney. Just recently, the University at Albany printed her a 3D robotic hand, which she absolutely loved (she was a natural at learning how to use it). And not to mention the enormous amount of funds donated to this little girl to cover her medical bills, which are currently just shy of $400,000.
Christmas is about giving. All Safyre asked for was some cards, because she’s a kid. She didn’t need big, shiny presents; just a sign that people out there cared. And the whole country saw her, and remembered what the holiday season is about: loving other people. Half a million cards and counting. I bet Safyre never expected that. The trip to Disney, the hand, the monetary donations: She never expected that. And that’s why it’s so beautiful. Safyre’s story settled into the hearts of people this holiday season, and the pain of her story brought out the best in people.
I already sent in a card through our on campus Christian club, but I just want to thank Safyre for reminding us what Christmas is really about (hint: not the flashy presents). Thank you for reminding us that giving is the best gift of all. And while Christmas is over now, I hope we can take that sense of love and compassion and carry it with us into the new year.
Hopefully, her story reminds us that even once Christmas is over, the need is still out there. It's up to us to band together and help in whatever way we can. Think of the impact a simple card had on one 8-year old girl, and think of the impact we can have just moving through our everyday lives! Don't forget that, while the holidays bring out the best in us, that best part can stick around for the rest of the year.
