An Act of Amazing Grace

Last week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo shared a moving story about a quiet act of profound grace.

In two acts.

First, the letter:

"Dear Mr. Cuomo,

I seriously doubt that you will ever read this letter as I know you are busy beyond belief with the disaster that has befallen our country.

We currently (as of March 26, 2020) are a nation in crisis. Of that there is no doubt. Your approach has been spot on correct. I commend you for that and for especially telling the truth, something that has been sorely lacking as of late.

I am a retired farmer hunkered down in northeast Kansas with my wife who has but one lung and occasional problems with her remaining lung. She also has diabetes.

We are in our 70s now and frankly I am afraid for her.

Enclosed find a solitary N-95 mask left over from my farming days. It has never been used. If you could, would you please give this mask to a nurse or a doctor in your city. I have kept four masks for my immediate family.

Please keep doing what you do so well, which is to lead.

Sincerely, Dennis and Sharon"

Then, the Governor's response:

"A farmer in northeast Kansas.

His wife has one lung and diabetes. He has five masks. He sends one mask to New York for a doctor or nurse, keeps four masks.

You want to talk about a snapshot of humanity? You have five masks. What do you do? You keep all five? Do you hide the five masks? Do you keep them for yourselves or others?

No, you send one mask, one mask to New York to help a nurse or a doctor. How beautiful is that? I mean how selfless is that? How giving is that?

It's that love, that courage, that generosity of spirit that makes this country so beautiful.

And, makes Americans so beautiful...that generosity of spirit...

Take one mask, I'll keep four.

God bless America."