A Sign of the Times

These days people are worried about keeping their jobs and putting food on the table for their family members. I attended a PAIIR advisory board meeting tonight and Peggy O'Toole-Martin said something that resonated. She talked about the hard times people are experiencing and the importance of being sensitive to the people around us.

I met a married couple at Target after the meeting. The husband shared with me that he had just been laid off. His last day of work is Friday and he seemed like he was becoming accustomed to telling people the news. I wanted to tell him that he had nothing to worry about and that he would easily find a job, but I bit my tongue and listened. I told them that if they needed anything they could call me.

I want this generation of children to be known for their kindness. I believe the hard times will teach them about sacrifice, compassion and resilience.

I read a story about a daughter who was touched by her father's kindness and his ability to talk to people from all walks of life. Later I shared how much this story touched me, and she told me the story of her father's passing. He died in the nursing home. When she asked the cleaning woman to tell the appropriate person that he had passed, she was informed by the woman that her father was always kind and that he took the time to get to know her name and her children’s' names. When she cleaned his room he asked her how her children were doing; this touched the woman deeply.

I am amazed how much it means to people to acknowledge who they are and the importance of their existence. I strive to be a good example to my daughter because I realize the way I treat people is the way she will treat others as well.

*************
Jinny Max has a 3-year-old daughter named Maya who is in preschool. Jinny is a HUGE supporter of PAIIR. She believes she wouldn't have survived her first year in Rochester without PAIIR.