A few nights ago the home health care nurse came by to do a physical assessment on my friend. The three of us got to talking about matters of racial identity and prejudices. It was the first time the home health care nurse shared about his background.
He immigrated to this country at the age of 14 years old. At that time he had the equivalent of a second grade education as he had been working in a carpentry shop in his homeland rather than attending school. When he came to America he was able to go to school like the other children...and he was thrilled. Because of his age he was placed in the 9th grade. As part of his first assignment he had to present his work in front of the class. He was laughed at by everyone in the room - except the teacher. There are a number of details in the story I will leave out because of space. The end result is that this teacher invested heavily in his life. He caught up academically. He went to nursing school and eventually even completed medical school.
It has been decades since this man was in high school, but he still recalls his teachers name - Ms. Lewis. He still recalls her kindness.
This man provides a valuable service and is a blessing to us each week during his visits. He obviously cares about his patients and is incredibly knowledgeable about his field. He is making a difference in the lives of sick people all over this community.
He wouldn't be doing what he is doing if someone hadn't invested in him. In his case, it was a committed and compassionate teacher who made all the difference.
Just Sheri, witness to the dividends of Ms. Lewis investment
NOTE: the Everyday Heroes series on this blog is an idea to share stories of normal people engaging in acts of kindness. I want to draw attention to kindness because I believe it is what changes the world.
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