To see the Pope: Best gift received

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We all have been to a special gathering at least once during our lifetime ? be it anniversaries, weddings, graduations, powwows, reunions, etc. These events are usually joyful experiences which will stay in our minds forever.

My most joyful experience was having the opportunity to be with the thousands of Native people during the Pope's visit to Fort Simpson. Joyful because I can almost feel the sorrow and grief these people experienced when the Pope's last visit was cancelled due to fog in 1984. Many had come from miles away and travelled for days for a once-in-a-lifetime experience ? only to find the visit cancelled at the last minute. I can understand when they say it was a devastating blow which made many cry.

Last Sunday, these same people and many more had their wishes granted. The feelings and emotions were evident with smiling faces, sparkling eyes and tears of joy.

I had the opportunity to speak to many Elders the day before the Pope's arrival. When they spoke of the Pope, they spoke with delight and enthusiasm. With eyes rolling and arms outstretched one said, "Tomorrow is the day we see the Pope!"

The atmosphere throughout the visit was very relaxing and comforting. It was a mixture of contentment, warmth and happiness. How else can I explain when someone turns to me and speaks a Native language I don't understand? Yet I knew the comment was about the Pope and a positive one. What else can I say but nod and smile?

Many people came for different reasons. One jubilant elderly lady, whose birthday coincidentally fell on the same day and also was receiving communion from the Pope, said, "This is the best birthday present I'll ever get." Another young lady brought her 12-year-old daughter, who was stricken with arthritis at the age of five, to receive a blessing from the Pope. Many came for comfort and consolation for lost loved ones. An elderly man explains how he and his wife travelled for three days to see the Pope in '84. His wife has since passed away and he sadly said, "If she was alive she would be here today." Still others came for a handshake and a glimpse of the Pope.

Yes, the Pope's visit was a happy occasion for many people, especially the Elders. The long-awaited visit was worth the time and effort everyone put in to make it possible.