During twenty years of self-employment, I have had several secretaries, the best of whom was Melody. She was well-organized, efficient, and took pride in her work. Her greatest quality, however, was her caring nature. She was kind to all whom she met and was always willing to help others. When I questioned her about her kindness, she said she got it from "Gramma." Melody told me that Gramma raised her, her younger sister and her younger brother Hershel, that Gramma led with her heart, that she was incredibly generous, and that she was always willing to do anything for anyone. After several years without contact, I "bumped into" Melody at an office complex. We brought each other up-to-date on mutual acquaintances and we asked each other about our families. With visible emotion, she said that Gramma had died and how painful it had been for her, her sister and her brother Hershel. She went on to describe that Gramma had been their pillar of strength, that she had been their family, and that the kids were taking it hard, especially Hershel. She added that, of all the three children, Hershel is most like Gramma, that he possesses many of her traits, and that he has a habit of going out of his way to help others feel good. She then told me the following true story: Hershel is a grocery store, produce clerk in Southern California near Disneyland. One of his customers had been a retarded man. Whenever the man shopped, Hershel tried to engage him in conversation. On one day, Hershel asked, "How are you doing?" The man replied, "Just fine. Keep up the good work." On another occasion, Hershel asked him how he felt about the unusual weather. The answer was, "Just fine. Keep up the good work." On other occasions, Hershel would comment about sports or other topics yet the reply was always the same, "Just fine. Keep up the good work." Shortly after Gramma died and while Hershel was in mourning, the retarded man entered the produce section and Hershel again tried to reach out to him by asking him how he was doing. The man again responded, "Just fine. Keep up the good work." The man took several steps, turned around to face Hershel, and said, "Your mom, no I mean your Gramma, she's in heaven and she's keeping an eye on you!" With that, the man walked away. Here's to you Gramma! By: John P. Wabl angelwings.htm

Back to Angelwings

Back To Main Index