"During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper leaving the last question blank. Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello.'" I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy."
I believe that simple acknowlegement of the humanity of others is one of the kindest things we can do. And I do try to practice that one little thing every day.
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| A pocket page from my sketchbook. |
the smile you give might be the only one recieved that day. you do make a difference.
ReplyDeleteAnd so do you, Diana ... every day. :^)
DeleteA great lesson for all of us; however, I've experienced too many times that the medical and other professional people did not get it. The person who cleans you space in the office is important in optimizing your work environment. Fortunately, that is no longer an issue for me, but the lesson is one I happily used.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Sandra. All we can control is our own actions, and hope a few (or many) others follow suit.
DeleteSigh... I just love you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOphelia ... my sister from another mother! Love & hugs to you.
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