A Publication of North Shore Elder Services
Life. Made Easier.
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December 2008
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 Do unto others
-Paul J. Lanzikos, Executive Director
The news has been full of stories detailing the avarice and self-centeredness of all too many people - some are politicians, others are business executives. The darker sides of athletes, professional, celebrities, and even everyday folks are played out daily on television and in the papers. It's not a pretty picture.
Adding to our collective funk is the worldwide economy which appears to be in an unchecked freefall with people facing a level of collective financial stress and strain not experienced for more than seventy years.
In the midst of all this are some rays of light powered by the compassion of humans towards others in a need by providing a helping hand, a nutritious meal, a warm place, or just a kind and encouraging word. Here are just a few local examples of this kind of generosity to help guide us through the trials and tribulations of our daily lives and provide an optimistic outlook on the human condition:
- For decades the members of Salem Moose Lodge have provided a bountiful Thanksgiving Day dinner for scores of elders - some served at their function hall and for others, delivering them to their apartments and houses.
- High school students from schools throughout the area visit nursing facilities and assisted living residences to sing Christmas carols and provide a few hours of companionship.
Perhaps the most moving examples of people's generosity are when random acts of kindness between strangers occur. One of North Shore Elder Services' case managers, Laura Teckman, related this recent occurrence:
"My client is on MassHealth and found out at the pharmacy register that one of her new medications was not going to be covered by her Medicare Part D insurance plan. The pharmacist and client were going back and forth on what her options were and how to get the issue resolved. A stranger standing behind the client in line stepped up and offered to pay. The stranger explained that life has been good for her and she wished to do something nice for someone else. My client was appreciative but refused. While the client was standing on the side to try and resolve the issue the stranger took care of her own purchase and then paid for client's medication in cash (about $35) and left before the client could refuse a second time. This has allowed the client a month to resolve the issue before needing the medication again."
During this time of year in which we conventionally wish each other well, even strangers, consider raising this social interaction from a nominal seasonal greeting to a meaningful and unexpected compassionate action to benefit some in need. Not only will they be better for it - so will you.
May the year ahead be filled with peace and well being for each and every one of us.
Editor's note: If you have an experience that exemplifies the generosity of the human spirit, please share it with us so we can share it with others in future editions of the Shoreline. |
Beat the Winter Blahs
By bringing your wrapping scraps and tissue paper to our Paper Retriever receptacle you will help us to raise money for elders in need this winter.
