When I read what follows from John Shaughnessy’s article in the Indianapolis Archdiocesan newspaper, reprinted by CNA, I was especially impressed. It often happens that those who are suffering physically appreciate more the suffering of others, even when it is only emotional. Having been very shy myself in high school, I was always aware of how important it was for parents and teachers to encourage the shy, quiet ones — not with false illusions, but with good words, interest, and advice. Ask them questions, listen to their answers. Not once, not twice, but often. Be a mentor, which may require, for a certain period of time, being a patient friend. Sometimes a student is just craving to be noticed and appreciated by a teacher or coach. Kaitlin “Katie” Lynch recognized this when she was suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma in her high school years. She could have built a shell around herself and run away from life on account of the cross she had been given, but she did not. She sought out the lonely, the insecure, the quiet introverts, in order to help them. In order to do this, she must have had the gift of empathy, which can lead to acts of charity and compassion.
Here is a clip from the article: In her freshman year, she played [softball] for Roncalli even as she received radiation treatments for the disease. When she couldn’t play in her sophomore year, she served as a manager for the team. She also attended as many games as she could this season. Even more telling, she reached out to nearly everyone at Roncalli, making special efforts to connect with students who are quiet, shy or doubted themselves. Read the full inspiring story of this wonderful girl here.
