As we gathered at the bedside of my gentle, dying mother-in-law, Ellie, her niece spoke softly in her ear recalling when she accidentally broke Ellie’s favorite statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Ellie immediately consoled her frightened niece by calmly reassuring her: “It’s OK. It can be fixed.” The story reminded me that we are all broken humans struggling to navigate our broken world. Broken by loneliness, hunger, poverty, addictions, and physical and mental pain. Too many of us are too often living in a state of despair. Despite these and other afflictions, they can be fixed, but it will require our assistance. This holiday season and in the seasons to follow, let us open our eyes and minds, indeed, our entire selves to recognize the suffering of our brothers and sisters and to provide comfort. Let us be the vessel that aids in the healing of their brokenness. Acting with nonjudgmental compassion, understanding and hearts full of love, we may temper the hopelessness of many while simultaneously healing our own brokenness. Like the statue, we, too, can be fixed. — Richard M. Farrell, Galena, Illinois Answering the call to give From the late 1950s through the ’60s, my father, Marv, and my uncle, Al, owned a small neighborhood grocery store in the 600 block of North Clark Street. There was a Catholic convent within walking distance. We saved dented but still usable canned goods, out of date but still edible snacks, and assorted items that we couldn’t sell but were still safe for consumption. Every couple of weeks, two nuns would come in for everything we had saved. The original plan was to give it to them, but they insisted on paying. Marv decided 10 cents apiece was sufficient, and so it remained. At Christmastime, Marv and Al would hit up all of the vendors for free products for the convent. We loaded up our van and two cars with everything and delivered it all on Christmas Day, which was the only day all year that the store was closed. When the convent closed and the nuns were transferred to Milwaukee, we made the trip north. The spirit of giving at Christmastime is for people of all faiths — in this case, two Jewish families answered the call for charity. — Len Levy, Glenview We are wise to be grateful When I began to reflect on what I am thankful for this past year, I must admit that I felt an unusual weight I hadn’t experienced before. As a Muslim, I understand that true gratitude arises when a person acknowledges their blessings and observes the state of the less fortunate of the society. In such difficult times, self-celebration may be tough, but the spirit of gratitude encourages us to find and appreciate life’s treasures, even amid anguish and sorrow. As I reflect on Palestine’s struggles, I have much to be thankful for: every bite that I take without worrying about my next meal, every peaceful night’s sleep without fear, every morning that I wake up with all my loved ones safe. My children’s daily education, friendship and laughter, and a secure home and fulfilling work — these simple joys are treasures. This new year, I wish every person worldwide could experience these fundamental pleasures, free from fear and hardship. — Faiza Ahmed, Madison, Wisconsin What will happen in 2025? I wonder how many Christmases and New Year’s Days I have left since I am in my mid-80s. As another year arrives, and I hang up my new Elvis Presley calendar, I find myself wishing that human life spans were longer. I really want to see the many technological miracles coming down the pike. I want to see who our next five presidents will be. I want to know if people will still come to church or if there will be any churches. I want to know how human beings will have resolved the climate crisis. I want to know who will be the first to live on Mars. But of course, time will win out in the end, and everything goes on without us. The only thing that is certain is the breath we just took. The one after that is not a given. My mantra for the new year is: “I want to stay alive in ’25, ” and hopefully, some years beyond that. Perhaps there is still time for me to ride in a driverless cab to my next doctor appointment. — Kathleen Melia, Niles Happy to relive the past Thank you to Michael Peregrine for the wonderful piece about our beloved Frazier Thomas (“WGN host Frazier Thomas made Christmas magical for kids,” Dec. 21). My brother and I spent many afternoons with him, Gar and the rest. Peregrine brought back lovely memories. — Barbara Wunder McAslan, Treasure Island, Florida The best birthday greeting As a youngster in the 1950s, I was a regular fan of “Garfield Goose and Friends.” Just before my 8th birthday in 1953, I had drawn a picture of Garfield in his castle and sent it in to the studio announcing my birthday. On my birthday, I ran home to watch the show, and at the end of the show, Frazier Thomas announced, “And happy birthday to Bobby Schaefer who is 8 years old today!” What a birthday present to a young kid! Fond memories. — Robert Schaefer, Long Beach, Indiana Op-ed was quite moving Thanks so much for printing the op-ed “I brought Christmas cheer to hospital patients through the power of newspapers” (Dec. 24). The events that Jack Modzelewski describes as a young man were quite moving on so many different  levels. I hope that the writer’s parents knew how special he was. — Bernard Berkin, Highland Park A blessing for hospitalized I truly enjoyed Jack Modzelewski’s op-ed about selling newspapers in hospitals. My mother was hospitalized numerous times over the years, and getting a newspaper was something she looked forward to every day. She read it cover to cover and saved me the puzzles. What a blessing to those hospitalized. — Virginia Dare McGraw, Naperville The ‘why’ of AI technology Mohammad Hosseini’s op-ed “Should AI be used to resurrect extinct species like the Neanderthal?” (Dec. 19) was not only thought-provoking but also quite alarming. I’ll let others more experienced in science settle that one, but for the layman, any experiments of that type should at least pass the “why” test. Artificial intelligence will be changing the lives of everyone on the planet in many ways that may be wonderful and in some that may be frightening. As Fareed Zakaria points out in his book “Ten Lessons For a Post-Pandemic World,” when AI is combined with bioengineering, there could be gene selection in producing children. Parents could have their choice — male or female, tall, strong, blue-eyed, etc. We need to think about the “why” question and then move ahead with great caution. — Rick Ronvik, Sister Bay, Wisconsin Inspired by obituary I read the obituaries in the Tribune every day and have for many years. The obituary for Mary Ellen Vitek in the Dec. 19 paper was the most poignant, funny and inspiring I’ve seen. Mary Ellen’s strong instructions — “sing at Mass with gusto” and “be grateful and kind and your life will be filled with happiness” — spoke to me. I could not agree more. I told some friends who also get the Tribune to read the obituary. They agreed that it, too, made them smile and inspired them. They think we should start a workshop on how to compose an obituary. I congratulate the person who wrote this one. Well done! Can I hire you to write mine? — Diane Daly, River Forest Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].