Extra Milers

 

Lorraine Hancock knew that some of her groom’s family is deaf.  Without anyone knowing, she spent time learning sign language.  During the ceremony, even her future husband was surprised when she signed her vows so they would understand what was being said.

A Dutch supermarket designated a few slow checkout lanes for their elderly customers.  That way they could spend time talking with the cashier and not have to be rushed.  It has been such a positive experience that they have now introduced the slower checkouts in over 200 of their stores.  A few stores have even added a “Chat Corner” so the customers can drink a cup of coffee and visit.

 

“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” was a television show, designed for children, that ran from 1968-2001.  Created by Fred Rogers, he used his show to teach children their worth, value, about things in their world, and making our world a better place by the things we do and the way we treat people.  Once Mr. Rogers received a letter from a blind girl.  She wrote that she was concerned because she knew he had fish, but she never heard that they were being fed.  From that day on, at the end of every show, Fred Rogers would say, “I’m feeding the fish,” just for her.  Once again, Fred Rogers took the time to show that every person matters.

 

Nikki Pittenger-Bankes’ husband, battling an illness for a year, has spent the last two months in the hospital.  He was discharged on hospice.  Because of his illness, he has not seen his daughter, Mikayla, perform in the Morton High School Color Guard in person.  When the band director found out that was a desire for both father and daughter, he was determined to make it happen!  There was a special evening planned to honor Mikayla and her dad.  The band families were seated in the stands and the band and color guard were in uniform on the field, as Mikayla’s dad entered the stadium on a stretcher.  Because of Mr. Banks’ condition, he had to be transported to the stadium by ambulance.  Then the Morton High School Marching Band and Color Guard put on an amazing performance.  After a touching tribute to the father and daughter, the color guard teacher and three of Mikayla’s best friends escorted her up into the stands to be with her dad.  He presented her with balloons, flowers, and a big hug.  Teachers, students, families, OSP Hospice personnel, and AMT ambulance services all worked together to make it an extra special night for the Bankes family.

 

When it comes to helping and encouraging others, may we be willing to go the extra mile.

 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3-4