Two weeks ago I set out to drive my son to soccer practice and I discovered one of my headlights was out.
I decided to stop by my mechanic to see if they could squeeze me in for a quick lamp change. My teenager was in the car, my cranky dog was in the car, and I am sure it wasn’t a convenient time for the shop. But Chase took us in right away, driving the car into the bay and letting the dog into the waiting area. He happily set out to change the bulb, put the seat back in its proper position and handed me the keys.
I asked him what I owed him.
“Nothing,” he said nonchalantly.
I reached for my purse and he brushed the thought away with a gesture of his hand. “No worries,” he said.
Now this was ten days after Barack Obama was elected. The stock market was still a roller coaster, more banks cried for help, and our Congress was mulling over whether to bail out the auto industry. All those around me were joyous and hopeful and frightened at exactly the same time. Chase could have easily charged me for the bulb, his time, and the inconvenience of my arriving as the shop closed. But he didn’t. I prefer to think he considered the fact that I have been bringing my Subaru to him for service since my son was in kindergarten. I prefer to think he knew his kindness would be paid in full and even if it wasn’t, he was doing a good thing. Helping another person in a time of need. Rather than look at this as an opportunity to cover even the smallest of expenses, he chose to reach out a helping hand.
Today, my Subaru went into convulsions in my driveway. On the way to see Chase, it had a full blown seizure. With 115,00 miles on the speedometer I knew I was in for bad news. But Chase met me with a smile, took my keys and promised he would call. And he did, with the news that oil was leaking in the engine, but that he could fix it, and it would be ready by the time I got home. I wrote a check for $798 and drove away. Chase’s prior kindness was paid in full. And then some.
Two weeks ago Chase didn’t have to help me. All around him were harbingers of doom. Everyone was spouting fear and worry. Even those not immediately affected by the changing economy withdrew their purchase power. No more charitable contributions, no more lavish Christmas presents. All the turtles pulled their heads in their shells and waited for the bombs to fall. Chase chose to see the world as hopeful, his cup half full. I continue to be touched by that moment, and it reminds me that our job as consultants is clearer than it has ever been.
We need to see the sunny side. We need to be hopeful. To see the possibilities for change that a new administration and a new Secretary of Education may bring. We need to take our heads out of our shells and move forward in hopeful ways. We need to lobby for what we believe in. We need to stand firm, despite the anxieties all around us, and fight for what never changes – the right to an equitable, respectful education for all children. So look on the sunny side, folks. I’ll be right next to you.
Fantastic. I LOVE this. There has never been a more important time than now to be hopeful and to sustain generosity. Thank you for this, Laurie.