50+ Lifestyles

Pay It Forward

By Mary Schricker Gemberling

Monday morning my thoughts and prayers are with all of the people in Florida who are waking up to the storm ravaged remnants of Hurricane Irma. They join a not so exclusive club whose members have in the last few weeks felt helpless at the mercy of Mother Nature. The earthquakes shattering Mexico, extreme heat and winds spawning wild fires throughout our western states, and devastating flooding and destruction in Texas, have left thousands homeless and hopeless. And now we add to that unbelievable suffering, millions of Floridians whose land of paradise is now unrecognizable in the
aftermath of Irma.

Gary and I have spent several winters traversing the state of Florida visiting old and new friends who reside there. We do not know the extent of damage or loss incurred by our friends at this time but we know the emotional toil has been great. Gary can empathize with those who have lost their homes and possessions for, seven years ago yesterday, a fire of unknown cause burned his log home to the ground leaving nothing but a pile of ashes. With the knowledge that no animals or people were harmed in the fire, he slowly began to rebuild his life. The two most important lessons he learned were the strength of his own resiliency and the generous outpouring of love and help from friends, family and the community.

If there is something good to come from all of the recent devastation and tragedies it’s that most people are inherently good. Despite the seemingly divided and volatile environment of today’s world, we do care about each other and are willing to step up and do what we can to help those in need. Another, even more important lesson, is that one’s appearance and possessions are not always the mirror of their soul! Whether we live in a mansion or in a trailer park, our home doesn’t necessarily define who we are. The suit and tie or torn jeans we wear are only the cocoons in which we hide; underneath we might be very similar butterflies.

In the wake of recent disasters we have seen and heard some wonderful human interest stories of people helping others with no regard to skin color, religious affiliation or ethnicity. Let us continue to see beyond our differences to the similarities that bond us as simply one human being helping another.

My hope is that when those affected dig out from under the ashes or rain soaked remains of their homes they find some solace in the kindness of friends and strangers alike who want to help. And someday, when they are back on their feet they can pay it forward to others who are in need. Only then will we leave the legacy of a kinder and gentler world to our children and grandchildren!

“Helping others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth”

                                         ………..Mohammed Ali

Mary, a former educator and Seniors Real Estate Specialist, is the author of three books; The West End Kid, Labor of Love; My Personal Journey through the World of Caregiving, and Hotel Blackhawk; A Century of Elegance.