Ripple Effect

Every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., retired bus driver, Frank, goes to CVS to pick up his medicine. One particular day he saw an older lady, with tears in her eyes, trying to read the label on her prescription. When he offered to help, she explained that her son picked up her prescription, but she hated to bother him and wanted to be sure she was taking the right amount. Frank waited with Margaret until it was time for the pharmacist to speak with her. That week, he bought a magnifying glass to give to Margaret to make it easier to read the label. She was so excited and pleased and then showed Frank the drawings her grandchildren had sent. The conversation then turned to his years driving Bus #42 for 30 years. A young mother took time to admire the drawings and spent about ten minutes visiting. The next week Maria, the pharmacist, gave Margaret a cup of hot tea to enjoy before she returned home. That was the day Frank decided that he would purposely find someone to spend five minutes with before leaving. He spoke to a man wearing a fishing hat about his love for catching fish. Frank thanked the tired looking nurse for the difference she was making in her important job. Before long, other people began noticing people, too. The man from the hardware store began speaking with Mr. Brooks, who usually just sat and looked around. A teenager, who waited for her mom to pick her up, read magazines to Mr. Davis, who was going blind. Frank missed three weeks of coming to CVS when he had pneumonia. The day he returned he was greeted with a welcoming committee. The pharmacist now used large print prescription labels, when needed. A table was set up with a sign: “Stuck? Ask for a 5-minute friend. We’re all waiting for something.” Margaret had been helping out, since Frank was sick. She even made soup and took it to the new widow. She commented, “You showed us how, Frank. We just…kept going.” Frank noted, “Turns out the best medicine isn’t in a bottle. It’s right here, in the space between ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye.’ And it’s free for anyone who’ll take five minutes to give it away.”

 While shopping at the neighborhood grocery store, Eleanor noticed that the cashier was quiet and seemed to be tired. After receiving her receipt, and looking at his nametag, she said, “Thank you, Marcus.” Surprised he responded, “You’re welcome, ma’am” and even offered a slight smile. Eleanor decided to continue the greeting when she returned on Friday. “Having a busy morning, Sofia?” “Yeah…yeah it is. Thank you for asking.” From then on, Eleanor made a point to speak to each cashier by name. She asked about sick pets, their day, something that let the person know she saw them. Her husband, Walter, even noticed that she seemed happier after going to the store. This week there was a new cashier. She was obviously nervous. That’s when the lady in front of her in line said, “First day, sweetie? You’re doing fine. I’m Ruth.” Chloe responded, ‘Yes…thank you, Ruth.” Ruth then glanced back at Ellie and winked. No words needed. “It’s spreading. Slowly like ripples. I’ve seen other regulars starting to use names. I see the difference. They stand a little taller. They smile easier.  They see us, too.”

 

What a difference a gift of five minutes and/or speaking a name can make!

 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12