September Seventeenth; Being the Ripple

Be the difference.

For a long time I would end anything I posted on social media with that tag line. Be the difference.  How desperately we need that now.

For some reason, I have picked up the habit of reading stories shared of bad experiences. Bad neighbors, bad family members, bad interviews, you name it, everyone has a horror story. I’m not sure where my personal fascination comes from here. Whether I am reading so I can learn the red flags or whether I am seeking to prove that I’m not alone in some of my experiences. Like the time my husband and I went into a store that is no longer around. We had been in there many times and mostly ignored. On this one night when we went in I for what ever reason was a few steps behind. I was also wearing an ankle brushing leather coat. This, was a nice coat that had been gifted to me by a friend after my rescuing them from an event. Employees nearly fell over themselves trying to assist me. I was still the same person, just one wearing an expensive coat.

My 86 year old mother loves babies. She will stop strangers in stores to coo over their baby. She doesn’t attempt to touch or pick up or anything else other than exclaim over the baby from a respectful distance. This even before social distancing became a thing. When I say babies, I mean all babies. I have watched those of a different nationality go from wary to excited and proud. Seeing that someone else sees what they already know, their child is precious.

My son, has a smart — (you fill in the blank) attitude at times, but he will go well out of his way to help others. I have watched him stop and offer stranded motorist help. I have watched him help people who are having physical difficulties. I have watched him hold doors respectfully. No matter who they are.

I sat in the car and watched my now late husband get out and check on a truck blocking the road. It turned out the truck had hit a deer. The deer was alive, so they took it to be merely stunned. They managed to get the deer off the roadway and check the truck. Undamaged the driver of the truck pulled on as my husband returned to the car.

I mention my family as they are the ones I can speak of. I have watched many other individuals go out of their way to assist others. I respect their privacy though and the knowledge they do not seek the rewards of men.

We can all be the difference for others. In our own way.

The seasons are changing. Here in the United States, Winter will be arriving sooner than later. The temperatures will go from one extreme in places to the other. Many people, will be in need of ways to be out of the elements and ways to stay warm. Any coats, sweaters, gloves that can be shared, would be welcomed. There are many agencies that gladly accept donations. Why keep a coat that won’t be worn, when someone else could desperately use that clothing?

Food banks, are always in need. It isn’t only those who are homeless who get hungry. There are those who use their money to keep a roof over their heads and use any that may be left to eat on. Food banks, provide some the only way between being fed and going hungry.
Kitchens that feed the homeless. They are always in need of volunteers. Anyone can dish out a food item, a bowl of beans or soup or glass of sweet tea. There is no shame in helping as there is no shame in being the one in need.

Helping with organizations such as the ones who take meals to the home bound, the elderly.

Visiting – when allowed- assisted living centers. Some individuals have merely been dumped and have no one visit.

Help in tutoring children.

Being the friend who will listen to the ones who are lonely, grieving, afraid.

Stand up for those who protect and serve. have their back.

Stand up for those being bullied, protect those who need protecting. Help those who need helping.

The list could continue on into infinity. For any need, there is someone who can help, someone who could be the difference, if they stepped up. We could, should we choose, be the difference for others. In so doing, we could and would, make a difference for the society around us. A ripple in a pond, expands and grows. Be that ripple.